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“Jack jumped to the rescue.” See page 57. 









The Treasure of the 
Golden Crater 

.1 I — 



LIEUTENANT LOUNSBERRY 


AUTHOR OF 


“Won at West Point,” “Cadet Kit Carey,” “Lieutenant Carey’s Luck,’^ 
“ Kit Carey’s Protege,” etc. 



NEW YORK AND LONDON 
STREET & SMITH, PUBLISHERS 



TH E LIBRARY Of| 
CONGRESS, 

Tw Copies Received 

JUL, 11 1902 

COPVRIOHT ENTRY 

CI.ASS ^XXa No. 
COPY B. 


Copyright, 190a 
By STREET & SMITH 


The Treasure of the Golden Crater 




CONTENTS. 




Chapter 

I. — The Revolution 

II.— Impressed Into Service 

III. — The Mysterious Package . 

IV. — The Treasure Company 

V. — The Steam Yacht 

VI.— A Startling Recognition 

VII. — An Accident on the River 

VIII.— The Waif . . . . 

IX. — A Surprise 

X. — Mutiny . . . . 

XI. — A Daring Capture . 

XII. — A Startling Discover)^ . 

XIII. — On Board the Yacht 

XIV. — Further Incidents 

XV. — Down the River 

XVI. — The Pursuit 

XVII.— The Chase 
XVIII. — The Precious Papers . 

XIX. — Floating the Yacht . 

XX. — Jack Surprises Them . 

XXI.— Bill Wilson’s Bay . 

XXII. — An Unwelcome Discovery . 
XXIII.— A Midnight Alarm . 


Page 

5 

12 

. 22 
32 
. 38 
45 

• 53 
59 

. 66 

73 
. 8o 
86 

• 93 
99 

. io6 

113 

. 120 
127 

• 134 

140 
. 146 

153 

. 161 


CONTENTS. 


Chapter Page 

XXIV.— On the March 167 

XXV. — A Shot ill the Dark . . . .176 

XXVI. — Across the Chasm .... 183 

XXVII.— In the Tunnel 191 

XXVIII. — Golden Crater People . . . 197 

XXIX.— Attacked ! 20| 

XXX. — The Fight in the Cave . . .210 

XXXI. — A Perilous Predicament . . .216 

XXXII.— On the Cliff 223 

XXXIII.— The End of Garcia . . . .230 

XXXIV.— The Treasure 236 

XXXV. — Conclusion 242 


THE 


TREASURE OF THE GOLDEN CRATER. 


CHAPTER I. 

THE REVOLUTION . 

‘'Come this way. Lovering. Quick! before the crowd 
leaves the coaches.’" 

“Hold on, Jack; don’t be in a hurry. I want to see 
how these fellows pan out as soldiers. They were shoe- 
makers and plowboys a few hours ago, and a musket must 
be an unknown quantity in their hands.” 

“That is just the reason I want to get out of the way,” 
laughed the first speaker. Jack Gordon, as he turned 
back to await his companion. “They might have them 
loaded and cocked for all we know, and I am not anxious 
to become a target for an Argentine bullet to-night. Let 
us get a little nearer the wall, if possible, the crowd is too 
dense here.” 

While speaking, Gordon forced a passage to the place 
he had indicated by a vigorous use of his elbows and a 
light traveling satchel he carried in his right hand, closely 
followed by Lovering, who applied a similar piece of lug- 
gage to the same use. 

It was a fine night in the middle of June. The central 
railway station of Buenos Ayres was crowded to the ut- 


6 


The Revolution. 


most of its limited capacity. Every square foot of the 
narrow platform facing the tracks had been utilized, and 
the overflowing even extended out through the waiting- 
room into the broad Pasco de Julio fronting the tracks. 

It was not an orderly throng of peaceful citizens taking 
the train for their suburban homes, but a rushing mob of 
soldiers — infantrymen in heavy marching order ; cavalry- 
men conspicuous for their enormous native spurs; ar- 
tillerymen without cannon, and a preponderance of be- 
laced officers ablaze with gold and tinsel. 

Early that morning the authorities of the city had been 
electrified by the intelligence that one of the principal 
barracks had been attacked and captured by an armed 
force under the leadership of a political opponent of the 
president. It was the signal for a general revolution all 
over the country, and the government, taken unawares, 
was making strenuous efforts to collect its loyal forces in 
the capital. Train after train had arrived at the station 
since dark, from Rosario and adjacent towns, and the 
small depot soon assumed the appearance described above. 

Just as the illuminated clock in the tower overhead was 
striking eight, one of the “specials’’ had rolled in, pre- 
ceded by ear-piercing shrieks of the whistle, and the 
cheers of the assembled throng. It bore a general of high 
rank and his personal staff, who had been hurriedly called 
to the front when it became evident the revolt was 
growing. 

From the baggage car next the tender two young men, 
clad in ordinary civilian costume, leaped to the platform 
and looked around them. They were Jack Gordon, naval 


The Revolution. 


7 


cadet of the United States Steamship Wampum, and As- 
sistant Surgeon George Lovering, of the same vessel. 

The two young officers had been up country on a fur- 
lough, and were heartily enjoying themselves out shooting 
on the prairie, when a peremptory telegram from the cap- 
tain started them back post haste. It was only by rare 
good luck they secured transportation in Rosario, as the 
passenger service on the railroads were withdrawn, and 
everything turned over to the military. A casual ac- 
quaintance with one of the native officials gained them the 
privilege, and so, after several delays and false alarms on 
the road, they found themselves in Buenos Ayres. 

The Wampum was moored in the Boca, a small port on 
the southern outskirts of the city. They intended to re- 
port on board at once, but Lovering’s curiosity caused a 
delay which ultimately led to some very peculiar results. 

From their post of vantage next the wall, Gordon and 
Lovering looked upon a spectacle not very edifying to one 
versed in military lore. After the soldiers had piled out 
of the coaches, they stood huddled together like a flock of 
frightened sheep, until, at the sound of a bugle, an at- 
tempt was made to form double ranks. Both the align- 
ment and the “marshaled heroes” were ragged. The 
variety of uniforms presented would have put to shame 
a mardi-gras festival, and, if the wearers themselves did 
not notice the fact, it was plainly apparent to the young 
officers, who with difficulty repressed a hearty laugh at 
the maneuvers. 

“Let us get out of this,” at last said George. “I pity 
the poor chaps, after all. They will only make food for 


8 


The Revolution. 


powder, and it is an outrage that the ambitious schemes 
of a few men can drag the honest, hard-working laboring 
classes into death and misery/’ 

‘'Such has been the case since history began,” replied 
Jack, sententiously, starting to work his way toward the 
entrance. “But say, doc, there is an officer over there 
who has been eying us ever since we arrived. Look! 
that red-faced man next the door. He is coming this 
way now, and — why, he has a guard with him 1” 

They both stopped. Rapidly approaching them was an 
elderly official bearing the insignia of a colonel command- 
ant on his sleeve. He appeared excited, and in great 
haste. 

“Senores,” he exclaimed in Spanish, speaking quickly, 
and drawing a portentious-looking document from his 
pocket, “I am compelled to conscript you for immediate 
service. This paper, signed by his excellency, the presi- 
dent, orders me to impress every man capable of bearing 
arms, found on the public ways, if they cannot prove 
themselves aliens. Do you claim to be foreigners, and 
can you prove it at once?” 

The question was so palpably absurd that Gordon and 
the surgeon stared at him in amazement for a moment, 
then, turning to each other, burst into a hearty laugh. 
Their merriment was of brief duration, however. The 
colonel glared at them angrily, then, in a voice of thun- 
der, ordered several soldiers, standing near by in evident 
readiness, to advance. 

At the first sign of hostile demonstration, the two 
young officers became grave, then Jack strode up to the 


The P.evolution. 


9 

irate commandant and asked, in the same language, with 
some heat : 

‘‘Senor, am I to understand that this is serious? Do 
you really mean to force us to act as soldiers in the ranks 
of your company?” 

“Preposterous, sir!” interrupted Lovering, contemptu- 
ously shaking oif a detaining hand placed on his shoulder 
by one of the guards, and, confronting the official, he con- 
tinued : “This is a farce not to our liking, sir. We are 
naval officers from the United States Steamship Wam- 
pum, lying at the Boca, and you will please cease this 
pleasantry at once, or the outrage shall be reported. 
Come, Gordon, do not bandy further words with him.” 

“All right, George,” replied the young cadet in Eng- 
lish, “but I say, old fellow, I believe we will have trouble 
before we get out of this. That man is growing wrathy. 
Hadn’t we better explain how we happen to be here at 
this time? You know that during these periodical revo- 
lutions they carry things with a high hand, and I don’t 
believe they would hesitate to do even worse than to make 
us help fight their foolish battles.” 

Before Lovering could reply, the Argentine officer in- 
terposed, and commanded the corporal to conduct them to 
an adjacent barracks. By this time the party was sur- 
rounded by a large crowd of officials and soldiers. Sev- 
eral younger officers joined the commandant, and it was 
evident by their hostile actions that they coincided with 
that worthy in his determination. 

Jack had stepped to the side of his friend and, dropping 
his satchel to the floor, stood with clenched fists. It was 


lO 


The Revolution. 


a striking tableau, and one very liable to turn into a trag- 
edy. To make matters worse, the sound of heavy firing 
came from the direction of the city. Rattle after rattle 
of musketry, the occasional deep reports from field ar- 
tillery, and with every lull a series of noises not unlike the 
morning serenade of a menagerie — the voice of the 
people. 

George Lovering quickly saw the wisdom of his com- 
panion’s advice about explaining matters as much as pos- 
sible. It was necessary to do something at once, or else 
there would be witnessed a strange anomaly — American 
officers forced to fight under a foreign flag. It was an 
outrage not to be tolerated, so, obedient to a rather quaint 
nature, he calmly took a cigar from his pocket, lighted it, 
and after a quiet puff or two, said, blandly : 

“Now, look here, senor; you are wasting valuable time 
impressing two very poor soldiers. Those significant 
sounds from the front no doubt appeal strongly to your 
martial bosom, and I am loath to offer any obstacle to 
your impending feast of enjoyment. Permit me to briefly 
explain the situation : This gentleman is Naval Cadet 
Gordon, of the American Corvette Wampum, carrying 
ten guns, all breechloaders, and ready for action at any 
moment, and I am Assistant Surgeon Lovering, of the 
same vessel. We have been up country on a month’s 
leave of absence, but, hearing of the revolution, made 
haste to return to our ship. We were detained at Rosario 
by lack of transportation, but, through the courtesy of 
Lieutenant Alvarado, of the artillery, were permitted to 
come by special train. I presume this explanation will be 


The Revolution. ii 

sufficient? Shall we say buenos noches and success to 
you ?” 

The commandant’s face was a study. When Lovering 
commenced his harangue, the officer had just raised his 
right arm with a last peremptory gesture, but, amazed 
beyond measure at what he thought was the cool impu- 
dence of the other, he kept it elevated until at last it 
dropped by degrees to its natural position. 

His countenance grew more fiery at every word, and, 
when George concluded with the salutation, he choked out 
an answer remarkable for its wealth of Spanish ex- 
pletives. However, they interpreted it to be a demand 
for ocular proof of their identity — a paper or commission 
bearing their names and rank. 


CHAPTER II. 


IMPRESSED INTO SERVICE. 

''Great Scott !’^ ejaculated Gordon, turning to the young 
surgeon with a blank face. "What does the beggar 
mean? Is it possible the man is serious? Why, I 
haven’t the sign of a rag with my rank on it, have you ?” 

"Nothing but a letter without the envelope,” replied 
Lovering, shrugging his shoulders, "and that’s in Eng- 
lish, of course. I believe he is in dead earnest, and we 
run a good chance of smelling powder before morning. 
However, take it cool, and if they try to force us away, go 
under protest. It would be madness to offer physical re- 
sistance to this mob. By the way, the colonel seems to be 
under the influence of liquor, and that will partially ex- 
plain his outrageous conduct. Here, I will have another 
go at him. 

"Senor,” to the commandant, "what you ask is impos- 
sible just at present. We have nothing to prove our iden- 
tity. In fact we labored under the delusion that in a free 
republic like this it was not necessary to carry one’s per- 
sonal history on a placard for the edification of the au- 
thorities. If you will kindly send some one to the ship 
with us it will be easy to convince you.” 

"No! no! Too much time has already been wasted. 
The city is in a state of siege and martial law prevails. 


13 


Impressed Into Service. 

This paper empowers me to act as I see fit, and I will cer- 
tainly compel you to serve in the defense of the govern- 
ment. If you can afterward prove what you say, his ex- 
cellency will no doubt make reparation. I will be con- 
siderate enough to advise you to go quietly, else 

The accompanying gesture was highly suggestive, and 
one not lost on the two young Americans. They were 
certainly sensible enough to see that the best plan would 
be to submit to the inevitable, and to trust to an es- 
cape afterward. 

To argue further with the commandant in his present 
condition was not to be thought of. He evidently re- 
garded his power under the document granted by the 
president as but little short of that worthy's own, with- 
out the responsibility incurred therewith, and the po- 
tent effect of unlimited liquor had also added its usual 
quota to his bumptiousness. 

The situation bore a tinge of ludicrousness only ex- 
ceeded by its absurdity, and would not have been pos- 
sible under any other circumstances. The excitement 
aroused by the revolution, and the lawless character of 
most South American armies during interstate trouble 
had caused the outrage. 

Absurd or not, the fact impressed itself on Gordon 
and Lovering that obey they must; so, submitting with 
as good grace as possible, they fell in between two lines 
of soldiers and marched out of the station. 

Ten minutes had not elapsed since the arrival of their 
train, but in that time two others had rolled into the 
depot, bringing regiment after regiment of the provin- 


14 Impressed Into Service. 

cial guards. It was evident that the revolution, only in 
existence since early morning, had assumed unusual pro- 
portions, and from the hubbub plainly discernible outside 
there promised to be hot work before long. 

“If it wasn't for the fact that we are forced to go. 
Doc, I would rather enjoy the chance of seeing action," 
said Jack, as they reached the door. From the look of 
professional enthusiasm on his manly face, he meant it. 
He had not found much warlike experience since enter- 
ing the service three years previous, and, from all ap- 
pearances, he would have spent thrice his nineteen years 
of age before seeing a gun fired in hostile combat. Now, 
the military preparations in progress around him, and 
the close proximity of a real live engagement made him a 
willing defender of Argentine’s threatened capital. 

Both he and George Lovering were from the same 
Western State, and their friendship had commenced in 
the common schools of their mutual birthplace. George 
entered a medical college, and on graduating gained ad- 
mission into the medical department of the navy. On 
his advice young Jack applied to the district Congress- 
man for permission to compete at the local examination 
for the appointment to Annapolis, and won it. After 
spending three years in the historic old school, learning 
not only the science of navigation and a multitude of 
other needful arts, but also how to be and to remain al- 
ways a gentleman, with all that the much-abused word 
implies, he was sent to sea on the same vessel George had 
been ordered to. Thrown together in the close inter- 


Impressed Into Service. 15 

course of ship life, their boyish friendship was strength- 
ened, and it worked to the well-being of both. 

The Wampum had been several months on the South 
Atlantic station when the revolution broke out. There 
had been rumors of trouble current for some time, but 
little heed was paid to them, as the politics of our sister 
republics are seldom quiet; so when Gordon and Lover- 
ing asked for leave it was granted at once. The reader 
knows the subsequent results. 

As Jack and the young surgeon emerged on the Paseo 
de Julio with their guard, a troop of cavalry dashed off in 
the direction of the plaza, but, wheeling before the gov- 
ernment house was reached, came thundering back, fol- 
lowed by a shrieking shell, which burst in the midst of 
the rear platoon, unhorsing a score. 

An excited lieutenant, leading the retreat, jumped to 
the ground with a haste which sent him on his hands and 
knees, but, quickly scrambling erect, he rushed wildly into 
the station, shouting: 

*‘The fleet has revolted and is opening fire 

The effect was magical. In the space of a moment the 
depot was empty. Struggling, scrambling through doors 
and windows, irrespective of companies or batteries, the 
soldiers darted from the spot and fled up Calle Piedad 
with a unanimous destination — the other side of the city. 

Gordon and Lovering were at first carried away by the 
rush, and found themselves half-way up the street before 
being able to escape from the terror-stricken mob ; but by 
dint of hard work they managed to slip into a convenient 


i6 Impressed Into Service. 

doorway, where they crouched in the darkness, listening 
with bated breath to the tumult of the retreat. 

“Well,” whispered Jack, after they had waited several 
minutes in silence, “this is a pretty go, to say the least. 
What on earth can have gotten into these people? I 
never saw such cowards.” 

“Sh-sh-sh!” warned Lovering, forcing the middy fur- 
ther back into the dim recesses of the hallway. An un- 
usual light had suddenly superseded the blackness of the 
night — a red glare like that of an extensive conflagration, 
and the crackling of flames could be heard even above the 
rumble of the distant conflict. The shells of the fleet had 
done their deadly work. 

To the young officers this threatened exposure of their 
hiding-place was far from pleasant. The experience of 
the last few minutes had plainly shown them that a so- 
journ in the erstwhile peaceful city of Buenos Ayres was 
but little different from an enforced residence in Bedlam. 

They did not object to a little fighting, because that was 
strictly in their line of business, but, as their old admiral 
had once said, “When you fight, my son, let it be under 
the glorious Stars and Stripes, and then fight like thun- 
der.” They were both capable of fighting like “thunder” 
when they had a patriotic interest in the combat, but their 
imperative orders to report on board the Wampum with- 
out loss of time caused them to think of returning at once. 

To do that required a passage through a large part of 
the city, and a walk of at least an hour in the very center 
of the disturbed quarter. All local trains connecting 
with the Boca, where the vessel lay, had been taken off 


17 


Impressed Into Service. 

several hours previous, and a carriage could not be ob- 
tained at any price. The only way left was to stick to 
the byways and hug the friendly shade of every secluded 
thoroughfare. 

Their present quarters were but little better than the 
open street as regards concealment. The flames from a 
burning building just across the way cast a ruddy glow 
into the hall, rendering them plainly visible to any passer- 
by. 

'‘Let us leave this and try for the Boca,’" suggested the 
young surgeon, after this fact became apparent. ‘T don’t 
think we will see anything more of our esteemed friend, 
the commandant ; by this time he ought to be clear of the 
city. Did you notice him in that crowd running up the 
street ?” 

“Yes, I saw him. I think the fright he received from 
that shell will cool his martial ardor for a while. But 
which road had we better take? I believe a dash across 
the plaza, then by way of the Calle Defensa to General 
Brown is the safest.” 

“It’s rather open to the fleet.” 

“Oh, I don’t care a rap for the shells. You only take 
the chances of war of getting hit by one, whereas a man 
pointing a gun at you has a target in sight.” 

“Right you are. Jack,” coincided Lovering, with a quiet 
laugh at the middy’s philosophy. “Of two evils choose 
the least, eh ? Come on.” 

Leaving the hallway, they paused for a moment at the 
portal, and glanced up and down Calle Piedad. Not a 
soul was in sight. The entire street seemed bare and 


1 8 Impressed Into Service. 

serted, but from the obscurity of the upper end came an 
occasional rattle of firearms. The fire across the way 
was still burning briskly, so they made haste to leave the 
neighborhood. 

Beyond the railway station for several hundred yards 
was a space clear of buildings and open to the harbor. 
Through this they could see the dim outlines of several 
vessels crawling along the inner shoals, and every now 
and then illuminating the night by a momentary flash of 
red flame. The distant report of modern rifles came to 
their ears, an vafterlude to the spiteful whir of the shells 
as they flew past overhead. Cries of anguish or terror 
came borne on the wavering breeze from adjacent houses, 
and to put a finishing touch to the scene of carnage, a bat- 
tery of government artillery unlimbered their pieces in 
the very center of the park, and fired haphazard down 
the various ways diverging therefrom. 

'*We cannot get past the plaza here,” cried Gordon, 
calling a halt under the protecting walls of the govern- 
ment house. “It would be certain death to run the gant- 
let of that mob. We will have to go back and up Piedad 
a couple of blocks.” 

Keeping close to the buildings, they walked hastily 
along the street they had just left, and, turning a corner 
several squares distant from the station, ran unexpectedly 
into a barricade of cobblestones stretched across the road. 
Before they had time to retreat a voice challenged them. 

**Quien viva?'* (Who comes there?) 

“Friends, foreigners,” quickly replied Lovering, but in 
an instant several armed men had scrambled over the 


19 


Impressed Into Service. 

breastworks, and, despite their resistance, dragged them 
into the temporary fortification. Once inside, a gun was 
thrust into their hands, and a dark-faced man with a 
blood-stained bandage tied around his head, apparently 
the captain, sternly bade them fire when directed. 

^‘And remember,*’ he added with a scowl, ‘‘that the sec- 
ond either of you shows sign of treachery, you will be 
shot down like dogs.” 

“You will have to pay for this outrage,” expostulated 
Jack, hotly. “We are naval officers from the Wampum, 
and don’t intend to fight your battles for you. Release 
us this instant or the American consul will be notified, 
and reparation demanded at the muzzle of a gun.” 

“That for your consul and your guns !” responded the 
officer, snapping his fingers derisively. “Here you are, 
and you will have to fight or suffer the consequences. 
Anyway, how do I know you are Yankees. I have only 
your word for it, and you speak Spanish like natives. 
But probably you are too cowardly to ” 

Before he could finish the sentence Gordon sprang on 
him like a tiger. Both went down together under the 
force of the attack, and rolled from side to side of the 
narrow space. It was so sudden that George did not 
have time to interfere. Now, seeing the great danger the 
middy had placed them in, he hurriedly cocked his rifle 
and shouted : 

“Keep back ! I will kill the first man that interferes !” 

The barricade was crowded with men. It was prob- 
ably that fact only which saved the young officers. For 
a moment everybody was mixed up in indescribable con- 


20 


Impressed Into Service. 

fusion, and the pandemonium could be heard blocks 
away. Then, to the great relief of the surgeon. Jack 
scrambled to his feet apparently unhurt, but with clothes 
torn almost into tatters. Catching up a musket lying 
close at hand, he called to Lovering to follow him, and 
jumped over the barricade. Once on the other side they 
both crouched flat on the ground. It was just in time. 
A perfect hailstorm of bullets flew over their heads, strik- 
ing the adjacent houses. Amid the crashing of glass and 
the angry spat of the lead as it struck the adobe walls, 
came a ringing cheer. Then, to the terror and consterna- 
tion of the soldiers inside, a volley rang out from the roof 
of a two-story mansion immediately abreast, mowing 
them down like grain before a reaper. 

For a brief space the men caught in the trap remained 
motionless with surprise, then all who were left alive 
rallied and made for the house. Once under its walls, all 
danger from the sharpshooters above was past. With 
them went Gordon and Lovering, equally as anxious to 
get out of the way of the leaden hail. 

It was apparent that the opposition party, learning of 
the barricade thrown up on this particular street, had 
established one of their famous pantonments on the roof 
just overhead, and, seeing their chance when the dis- 
turbance took place, opened fire with disastrous effect. 
The construction of the houses in Buenos Ayres — in fact, 
in all South American cities — renders this manner of 
street fighting peculiarly effective. The memorable de- 
feat of the English general, Havelock, who, on entering 
the city with his forces, was almost annihilated by sharp- 


21 


Impressed Into Service. 

shooters stationed on the flat housetops, is a case in point. 
The narrow width of the streets converted them into de- 
fenseless shambles. 

The situation of the young officers was a little better 
than before. They were huddled together with a score of 
government soldiers, the leader of whom was the man 
Jack had just assaulted. He had scrambled erect imme- 
diately after the middy, and was now one of the party 
under the sheltering walls, but apparently all animosity 
had disappeared. From his actions and language he was 
endeavoring to induce his command to storm the canton- 
ment. The door leading to the interior was directly be- 
fore them, and it would, from all appearances, take but 
few blows to open it. Grasping a gun from one of his 
men, the captain commenced to beat on the panels, at the 
same time ordering others to his assistance. 

He was speedily obeyed, and under their united efforts 
the door gave way, revealing a short hallway leading to 
a flight of steps. With a shout the soldiers disappeared 
into the interior, leaving Jack and the surgeon at the 
portal. 

''Now is our chance to escape,” exclaimed the latter, 
looking hastily up and down the street. "Come on. Jack. 
By keeping close to the houses we can slip around the 
corner and ” 

He was suddenly interrupted by a cry for help coming 
from above. It was the voice of a woman, and imme- 
diately following came a wild scream which sent the hot 
blood into their faces. With one accord they abandoned 
their plan of escape, and ran toward the stairs. 


CHAPTER III. 


THE MYSTERIOUS PACKAGE. 

The interior of the place was dark, but, after reaching 
the second floor, they saw a partially opened door from 
which streamed a flood of light. Heavy trampling over- 
head indicated that the soldiers were endeavoring to 
reach the roof, and presently the crash of glass and a tri- 
umphant cheer showed that they had succeeded. Then 
came the sharp report of numerous rifles, groans and 
curses, and the sounds of the deadly conflict continued. 

Gordon and Lovering made for the light on reaching 
the top of the stairs, but one rapid glance showed that the 
room was empty. Several doors leading out of it were 
hastily examined, with the same results. They stood non- 
plused, waiting for some sound that would lead them to 
the person evidently in peril, but nothing could be heard 
save the hubbub created above. 

“Suppose we search the front rooms,” suggested Jack, 
“and if we cannot find any person we’ll take a look on the 
roof.” 

“It is very queer,” replied George, as he followed the 
middy. “I am sure the cries came from up here.” 

The house was evidently inhabited by people well off 
in worldly goods. All the furniture seemed of the rich- 
est description, and a cultured taste was shown by va- 
rious bric-a-brac adorning every apartment. 


23 


The Mysterious Package. 

The room facing the street opened from the hall, and 
directly opposite it was a narrow flight of steps leading to 
the roof. Gordon tried the knob of the door, and found it 
locked. He was just turning away, when a masculine 
voice from within called out in Spanish : 

'‘Dare to enter and I will fire. I am armed, and will 
defend myself to the last. Go your way ; we have noth- 
ing to do with this disgraceful revolution.’^ 

The words were spoken with a decided English accent. 

Jack and Lovering exchanged glances. 

“Answer him,” motioned the surgeon. 

The middy first knocked, and then replied : 

“We are officers from the United States steamship 
Wampum, and, happening to hear some one calling for 
help, came up to see if we could render any assistance.” 

“Thank Heaven!” the voice exclaimed fervently, and 
the door cautiously opened a few inches; then it was 
thrown back, and an old man stepped into the hall. Be- 
hind him stood a young girl, not over seventeen. Her 
face was pale, and a frightened look about the eyes 
showed that it was probably she who had uttered the cry. 

Gordon instinctively glanced down at his disheveled 
apparel, and bowed ceremoniously. 

“My friend. Assistant Surgeon Lovering, and myself 
are at your service,” he said, simply. “Have you been 
attacked by those soldiers?” 

“Not attacked, but expecting to be at any moment,” 
the old gentleman replied ; then, stepping forward, he ex- 
tended a hand to each, and added in a voice choked with 
emotion: *‘l am heartily glad to see you, sirs. My 


24 The Mysterious Package. 

daughter here and I are the only persons left in the house. 
Our cowardly servants fled at the first sign of danger, 
and we, not knowing where to take refuge, remained 
here. We thought the fighting would not come down 
this way, until that barricade was constructed toward 
evening. We then retired to an inner room to wait until 
morning, but it seems that a party of the revolutionists, 
having reached our roof from the adjacent houses, fired 
on the soldiers in the street. 

‘^Although understanding by the sounds that they were 
above us, we did not anticipate danger until the govern- 
ment troops burst open the lower door and entered the 
house. We were then in a back room, but were driven 
out of it by four or five of the brutes, who, forcing the 
door on their way up, fired several shots at me. Luckily 
none of them took effect.” 

'‘Yes, luckily indeed,” replied Lovering, with a glance 
at the young lady. “But they have almost ceased firing 
on the roof, or else the fight is transferred to another 
house. I only hear an occasional shot, and they seem 
fainter. As all danger is apparently past, I think I will 
run up and see if there are any poor wretches in need of 
a surgeon’s aid. Jack, you had better remain here until 
I come back.” 

“You are an honor to your profession, sir,” exclaimed 
the old gentleman, again shaking hands with Lovering. 
“It will be a worthy action. Here, take this revolver; 
you may need it. If we can do anything to help the 
wounded, just call down the stairs. Probably your friend 
had better go with you. I think we arc safe here now. 


The Mysterious Package. 25 

and if anything has happened up there you will require 
assistance.” 

There was force in his argument, so the two young 
officers started above, leaving their new acquaintances to 
retire inside and await their return. On reaching the 
roof. Jack and Lovering tried, by the aid of a hand lan- 
tern they had brought with them, to see if any of the 
wounded had been left behind. 

The night was still quite dark, but off toward the east 
a gradual brightening of the sky proclaimed the rising of 
a full moon. All sounds of the conflict had died away, 
and the neighboring housetops appeared to be deserted. 
The lamp’s rays did not penetrate very far, so they pro- 
ceeded cautiously to examine every part of the roof. 

Jack went ahead with the light, and Lovering walked 
close behind, listening intently. Suddenly the middy 
stumbled and almost fell. As he recovered himself the 
object against which his foot had struck moved slightly, 
and they heard a feeble groan. 

“By Jove! It’s a wounded man,” exclaimed George, 
taking the lantern and stooping over so he could see his 
face. Then, instinctively placing his hand on the man’s 
pulse, he continued: “What is the matter? Where are 
you hurt ?” 

For a moment there was no answer. The injured sol- 
dier, for so he seemed to be, breathed heavily, and moaned 
with pain, then, slightly lifting his head after great exer- 
tion, replied, in Spanish: 

“Oh ! senores, for the love of humanity, bring me some 
water. I am dying. Here,” putting his hand on his 


26 


The Mysterious Package. 

breast, “a bullet struck me at the beginning of the fight, 
and I have been lying without aid ever since/’ 

“Jack!” cried Lovering, but the middy had disap- 
appeared, and, almost as he spoke, returned with a cup of 
water and a little wine in a flask. Taking them from 
him, the young surgeon speedily poured a small quantity 
down the poor wretch’s throat. The generous vintage 
had an immediate effect. Struggling into a sitting posi- 
tion, assisted by George, he appeared more easy. 

Lovering started to open his shirt so as to try and 
check the bleeding, but he was interrupted by the man, 
who, after a violent fit of coughing, exclaimed : 

“No use, senor, I am almost gone. In a few minutes 
I will be in a better world. But you have been kind to 
me, and kindness is something I have had little experi- 
ence with in my life. I can make you rich, far beyond 
your wildest dreams. I am without family, and the 
secret which I have guarded for years would have died 
with me, but your friendly hand has changed my pur- 
pose. Here, cut this cord around my neck. Attachec^* 
to it you will find a package sewed in leather, which will 
explain all.” 

“Never mind that, my man,” expostulated Lovering. 
“Let me see if I can stop the hemorrhage.” 

“No, no! I tell you it will be useless. Do as I ask 
you ; it is a dying man’s request.” 

More for the purpose of humoring him than anything 
else, George held the lamp while Gordon drew a small, 
tightly wrapped package from underneath his shirt. It 
was curiously shaped, and looked very like a flattened 


The Mysterious Package. 27 

ball. The outer cover was of leather, with the sewed 
seams apparently varnished to exclude water. The sol- 
dier’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he saw it. 

''Do not open it now,” he said, faintly. "Wait until I 
am gone, and may the knowledge you learn bring more 
to you than it has to me. My name is Manuel Garcia. 

I was born in Spain, and how I happened to — to ” 

His voice had grown so weak they could barely hear it; 
then it failed suddenly, and Lovering felt a convulsive 
motion of the body. He tried to force a little wine into 
his mouth, but it was too late, the man had breathed his 
last. After working over him a little while longer they 
reluctantly gave it up and returned to the floor below. 

As they passed from the roof, a vagrant gust of wind 
brought to their ears the far-away sounds of musketry, 
and an occasional deep, sullen boom of cannon. To their 
joy and relief, it appeared to come from the other side of 
the city, away from the direction of the Boca. If the 
fighting had drifted that way, it would now be an easy 
^matter to report on board the Wampum. 

Their new acquaintances were awaiting them in the 
hall below, and seemed very glad they had returned in 
safety. The young girl appeared to have recovered from 
her previous terror, and greeted the two officers with 
a friendly smile. The old gentleman led the way to the 
front room. Before entering, George drew him to one 
side, and briefly explained what had happened on the 
roof, adding that the body had better remain there for the 
present. 

"Now, I think it is time we introduced ourselves, gen- 


28 The Mysterious Package. 

tlemen,” said their host, in a bluff, good-natured manner. 
“I am Silas Goodrich, an American from old Massa- 
chusetts, down here for a pleasure trip of several months, 
and this is my daughter Marie.’’ 

Gordon and Lovering bowed acknowledgments. 

“I have heard of you, I think, Mr. Goodrich,” replied 
the former. “Is not that your steam yacht moored astern 
of the Wampum?'' 

“Yes, that is mine. She is called the Marie , after my 
little girl here, and a more roomy and comfortable craft 
for her speed is not to be found afloat. I hope to have 
the pleasure of seeing you aboard some day in the near 
future.” 

“Thank you ; we shall certainly grasp the opportunity, 
as I admire her lines very much. But, speaking of the 
Wampum reminds me that we have not explained how 
we happen to be ashore at such a critical time.” 

The middy thereupon stated in a few words the events 
which led to their being present in Mr. Goodrich’s house, 
and as he dwelt with a natural eloquence on the stirring 
adventures of the night, the fair young face of Marie 
brightened and glowed with an interest in the narrator 
and his theme which proved most flattering to him. 

After several minutes more of mutual explanation, the 
conversation reverted to their present situation. Gordon 
and Lovering, although desirous of reporting on board 
from a sense of duty, yet felt it incumbent to remain in 
case another disturbance took place in that vicinity. On 
informing Mr. Goodrich of their intention, he expos- 


The Mysterious Package. 29 

tulated at first, but at last assured them of his feeling of 
greater security in their presence. 

It was decided that the gentlemen should remain dur- 
ing the night, and for Marie to retire in an adjoining 
room, which she did with many protestations and declara- 
tions that she could not possibly sleep. 

Presently, after their host had talked a while on Argen- 
tine politics and revolutions, a subject he seemed very 
familiar with, Jack happened to think of the package. 

“I say. Lovering,’' he asked, suddenly, “have you 
shown Mr. Goodrich that leather affair we got from hat 
poor fellow ?” 

“Not yet,” replied George, taking it from his pocket. 
“I had almost forgotten it. Suppose we open the pack- 
age now. I confess to a great curiosity concerning the 
contents.” 

Removing the outer cover after much labor, he dis- 
closed to view a bundle of greasy and time-stained papers 
folded into a thick wad. All gathered around a center 
table, and the old gentleman lighted the entire chandelier 
in his eagerness. Lovering carefully separated the sheets 
and spread them out, side by side. The first was a rude 
map showing part of what seemed to be an island. It 
was marked by two crosses and a star, and in the upper 
corner was an explanation of the signs, written in a 
labored hand. 

There were three other papers, ordinary English note, 
covered with a writing which zigzagged and scrawled in 
uneven lines. They had been numbered, but on compar- 
ing them it was found that four were missing. 


30 


The Mysterious Package. 


'‘It is a shame!” exclaimed the middy, in a disap- 
pointed tone. “I am certain this means a very important 
secret, and here we are balked; but read what’s there, 
George ; maybe we can get an idea from them.” 

The young surgeon held the sheets close to the light, 
and with difficulty spelled out the following remarkable 
document : 


Buenos Ayres, July 14, 18 — . 

Being the only scholard in this hear party I’m asked to sett 
down and depose as to how the barque Santer Marier went ashore 
on terre del fueger and what happened us four seamen on that 
inhorspitabel coast, being all that wuz saved of the crew. The 
way it happened about wuz this. The old man, he’s dead now 
and a blazing and more power to his elbow, put her on the beach 
hizself for the surance but he made a misteak and struck in the 
wrong place and got the worst of it. There wuz four on us whose 
names is below, who reached land all right. It wuz colder than 
a dog’s nose and we liked to freezed at first but we scraped a fire 
and lived two days in sight of the Santer Marier’s bones. Then 
striking inland to find a settlement of Indians we traveled a long 
time living on birds and what we could pick up and after days of 
suffering we got into an awful mess which no man would believe 
but it is like a night mare to me now and I will explain. We all 
tumbled down one day into a big pit which wuz hotter than the 
one where the skipper is and then a lot of funny looking people 
came and 

This was the end of the second sheet. Numbers three, 
four, five, and six were missing. Lovering picked up the 
remaining one and continued : 

counted as much as one thousand chunks of gold, reel old 

stuff, and we air not good at counting nuther. There wuz also 
stones which sparkled like fire, and other things. It’s easy got at 
if you know how, and I won’t say any more because this ex- 
planation is enuff and I wouldn’t have writ it if that dago Garcia 
hadn’t wanted it for some reason or other. We got away all 
right and I made a map to show how to git back. Wc four air 


The Mysterious Package. 31 

going to raise the stuff and git the gold, and the directions is on 
the map. Hear is our names. 

Bill Wilson, carpenter. 

John Carnow, able seamen. 

Jim Duffy, able seameen. 

Manuel Garcia, ordinary seamen. 

After George had ceased reading they sat silently look- 
ing at the papers and the map, then Mr. Goodrich arose 
to his feet and, slapping his hand on the table, exclaimed : 

“Well, this is wonderful. If we only had the others, 
with a better explanation, I think the means to search for 
this treasure would be easily forthcoming.” 

He glanced significantly at his companions. 

“By Jove ! probably they are in his clothes,” suggested 
Gordon, hastily; then, grasping the lantern, he rushed 
from the room. In less than five minutes they heard a 
clatter on the stairs, and the middy ran in, exclaiming : 

“He is gone ! The body isn’t there !” 


CHAPTER IV. 


THE TREASURE COMPANY. 

“The body not there ?” echoed Lovering, incredulously. 
“Nonsense, Jack; the man couldn’t have walked away. 
Perhaps you missed him in the dark ?” 

“No; I searched everywhere, and even looked on the 
roof next door. It is very queer.” 

“I do not remember hearing anybody walking overhead 
since the fight,” said Mr. Goodrich, “but it is just pos- 
sible some of his comrades might have returned to re- 
move the dead. You know we have been pretty well oc- 
cupied with this package of papers.” 

“That must be the case,” returned George, taking up 
the sheets from the table and looking over them again. 
Suddenly he started and exclaimed: “Hello! what’s 
this? Here is more writing on the back of the map. It 
is such a scrawl I can hardly make it out. What in the 
deuce is that word?” 

Placing the paper flat on the table, all three tried to de- 
cipher several lines written, or, rather, printed in faded 
red ink. After considerable work they managed to piece 
together the following: 

Bill Wilsun, January 3, B. Ayres, gun 

Jno. Karnow, Jul. 7, Montavido, nife. 

Jim Duffi, Jul. 7, Montavido, nife. 


The Treasure Company, 33 

The trio glanced significantly at each other for a mo- 
ment, then Jack spoke up, saying: 

'The miserable scoundrel! He has murdered those 
men to secure the treasure for himself. He has richly 
deserved his fate, but it is a pity he didn’t live to be 
hanged.” 

"That’s so, by Jove I” exclaimed Lovering. "Well, 
well ; we seem to be the legatees of a blood-stained, crime- 
strewn secret which has already caused the death of 
three men, and brought no luck to a fourth. I am not 
superstitious, but I think it would have been just as well 
if we had not fallen heir to it.” 

Prophetic words ! 

Old Mr. Goodrich had drawn up a chair close to the 
table, and was deeply intent in studying the contents of 
the mysterious package. He read every word slowly and 
carefully, then, bringing an atlas from the adjoining 
room, compared a map of Terra del Fuego, the southern- 
most land of the South American continent, with the 
crudely drawn map accompanying the papers. 

After a while he leaned back in his chair, and, placing 
his hands together in a favorite attitude, pondered long 
and deeply. The young officers, noticing his preoccupa- 
tion, remained silently watching him. For the first time 
since making his acquaintance they had an opportunity 
of closely observing the features of their new friend. He 
seemed to be a man of about fifty years, but it is possible 
the almost perfectly white hair falling in thick, wavy 
folds over his forehead gave him a more aged appearance 
than was really the case. The face was full and prepos- 


34 


The Treasure Company. 


sessing, and around the eyes were lines which are always 
associated with a generous and kindly nature. Gordon 
and George felt attracted to him at once, and when they 
next spoke, it was with an increased respect and liking. 

Presently Mr. Goodrich stirred, and, removing his 
glasses, slowly wiped them, the while looking keenly at 
his companions. 

“Now, my friends,’’ he commenced, speaking delib- 
erately and as if he had fully made up his mind, “I have 
a proposition to make ; but first I want to ask a few ques- 
tions. What do you think of this affair ?” 

Jack and Lovering exchanged glances, each waiting for 
the other to speak ; then the middy, in obedience to a mo- 
tion, acted as spokesman. 

“I believe the thing is genuine, sir,” he replied, em- 
phatically. “You know the interior of Terra del Fuego 
is a terra incognito, and it might be immensely rich in 
minerals. As to the peculiar people the document speaks 
of, well, what do we know to the contrary ?” 

“Yes, and this Manuel Garcia would have no reason for 
lying that I know of,” added Lovering, suggestively. 

“I believe it is true, myself,” admitted Mr. Goodrich, 
frankly. “Now, another question. Would it be possible 
for you boys to obtain a furlough of, say, six months, 
from the ship ?” 

“Easily, by telegraphing to the Navy Department at 
Washington, and giving a good reason,” quickly replied 
Jack, seeing the drift of the old gentleman’s queries. 
The very idea thus foreshadowed caused him to feel so 


The Treasure Company. 35 

elated that he could have danced a jig on the center table. 
He waited eagerly for the next question. 

“Well, will you, Mr. Gordon, and will you, Mr. Lover- 
ing, form a stock company with me to secure this treas- 
ure? Wait — hold a minute; what I mean by a stock 
company is one simply between ourselves. You two lads 
subscribe muscle and common sense, and Fll furnish the 
collateral.’' 

“Will we? Whoop!” shouted Jack. As for George, 
all he could do was to sit and listen helplessly to the ma- 
gician who had thrown open the gates to a realm of 
wealth in such a generous manner. 

Mr. Goodrich leaned back and enjoyed the varying ex- 
pressions on their faces with a zest not to be measured by 
words. Being a man whom the school of adversity had 
taught a quickness of decision, he had not required much 
time to decide the question. Moreover, he had taken a 
great liking to both, and was desirous of showing his ap- 
preciation of their assistance that night. 

So far as he could judge at present, it might only mean 
a pleasant trip down south, and probably an excursion 
inland in a comparatively unknown country. His fifty 
odd years of life had not exhausted the leaven of romance 
in his nature, and it must be confessed that he even felt 
some of the joyousness of his younger companions. 

“You need not answer, boys,” he said at last. “I can 
see that you are perfectly willing, and ” 

“Willing, sir,” interrupted the middy, “why, I cannot 
thank you enough for your kindness and generosity. 
Even the chance of running down there and looking 


36 The Treasure Company. 

around would be almost enough pleasure, not mentioning 
the possible lucre that paper speaks about.” 

“Mr. Goodrich,” added Lovering, rising to his feet and 
grasping the old gentleman’s hand, “I can hardly believe 
our good fortune is true. I think I can speak for both 
Jack and myself in saying that we accept your proposition 
in the spirit it is offered.” 

“Well, boys, you are entirely welcome,” he replied, 
heartily; then, drawing his chair up to the table again, 
he readjusted his glasses and continued, laughingly: 
“Now that the stock company is formed, we had better 
name it and figure up our assets and liabilities. It is now 
one o’clock, and, as you intend staying until daylight, we 
shall have plenty of time to map out the whole affair. As 
for the assets, they will include a balance at the bank 
sufficient for our needs, and the steam yacht Marie” 

Jack’s eyes sparkled at the last item. 

“Now for a name. What do you say to ‘The Terra del 
Fuegan Treasure Company, Limited?’ That embraces 
about everything.” 

Of course there was not one dissenting vote, so that 
part of it was settled. After a further parley, Mr. Good- 
rich was elected president and treasurer, Lovering secre- 
tary and surgeon-in-ordinary of the expedition, and Jack 
manager and superintendent. 

The old man had an object in view by this apparent by- 
play. He wished to make the young officers feel they 
were equally as interested financially as himself. He 
dwelt largely on the fact that the document belonged to 


The Treasure Company. 37 

them, and also made a point by saying that it was simply 
a financial investment carrying certain risks. 

During the balance of the night preliminary plans for 
setting out on the trip were perfected. It transpired that 
the Marie could not be ready for at least four weeks, as 
certain repairs on her engines were needed. That would 
give ample time for securing the furloughs and laying in 
stores. 

Just before daybreak Mr. Goodrich drew up a formal 
document, embracing the statutes of the new company, 
which they all signed with much solemnity. This was 
folded and carefully placed together with the original pa- 
pers in a strong box. 

It was now growing light, and the yellow flame of the 
gas-jets were becoming garish and pale. During the past 
six hours only an occasional rumble from a great dis- 
tance showed that the revolution still continued. 

Gordon and Lovering concluded to leave early and re- 
port on board, promising to return that same day if pos- 
sible. Not wishing to awaken Marie, they bade the old 
gentleman good-by, and quietly left the house. Jack had 
managed to repair his clothing sufficiently well to pass 
muster, and a hat borrowed from their host, several sizes 
too large for him, completed his rather startling costume. 


CHAPTER V. 


THE STEAM YACHT. 

The Street in front of Mr. Goodrich’s house looked as 
if a cyclone had carried a devastating trail through it. 
Piles of cobblestones were scattered here and there in 
rude imitation of a barricade. The windows in almost 
every house lining each side were shattered, and pitting 
the plastered fronts of most were innumerable bullet-holes, 
conveying the peculiar appearance of a worm-eaten 
board. 

There were few people astir, and the general expres- 
sion of those would hardly lead one to believe that a des- 
perate hand-to-hand fight had taken place in front of their 
doors only a few hours previously. 

It is possible that revolutions in that periodically dis- 
turbed country had grown monotonous, and were no more 
taken notice of than political campaigns in the greater re- 
public. 

To Jack and the young surgeon this apathy was sur- 
prising, and as they hurried along, intent on obtaining 
some conveyance to the Boca, they almost doubted that 
the events of the night had really occurred. The sight, 
however, of several bodies lying huddled up at one side of 
a street crossing convinced them. 

On reaching Calle Florida, the principal thoroughfare, 


Tlie Steam Yacht. 


39 


a cab was sighted jogging along as if in search of stray 
fares. They speedily induced the coachman to carry 
them at a rapid speed to their destination, arriving there, 
however, just in time to see the lofty masts of the Wam- 
pum passing through the lower channel, en route to the 
outer anchorage, seven miles distant. 

^'Confound it!” exclaimed the middy, wrathfully. 
'That is just our luck. Now we will have to wait for the 
ship chandler’s launch or hire a special tug.” 

“Well, we will postpone doing the latter until we secure 
some of that Fuegan gold,” replied Lovering, grimly. “It 
only costs thirty or forty dollars, and I am not wealthy 
enough just at present. Suppose we drop in at Forbes’ 
and see when he intends sending out to the ship.” 

Suiting the action to the word, they called at the pur- 
veyor’s, and learned that a boat would not be dispatched 
to the man-of-war before ten o’clock. It was now seven, 
and there remained three hours of time to utilize. As 
they had had nothing to eat since leaving Rosario the 
previous morning, a restaurant was hunted up, and the 
inner man attended to. 

The disturbing influences of the revolution had not ex- 
tended out here, and, with the exception of an occasional 
body of troops passing through from the country, nothing 
indicated the onward progress of the fatal attack on the 
government. The fleet had ceased firing some time dur- 
ing the night, and was now resting on its laurels. From 
the flagship floated a white flag, which probably meant a 
temporary armistice. The young officers learned after- 
ward that representatives from the different foreign war 


40 


The Steam Yacht. 


vessels present had expostulated in emphatic terms against 
such an unwarranted bombardment of a defenceless city. 

After leaving the restaurant, Gordon and Lovering 
strolled along the water front to pass the time, and talked 
over the all-engrossing topic of the expedition. Hap- 
pening to glance over toward the Platense repair docks, 
the latter saw a steam yacht moored there. 

“I say. Jack,” he exclaimed, pointing her out with his 
finger, “isn’t that Mr. Goodrich’s yacht ? There ; that one 
with the rakish funnel and masts.” 

“Why, yes, that is she,” replied the middy, suddenly 
interested. “Suppose we go over and take a look at her.” 

Lovering willingly agreed ; so, taking a rowboat at the 
dock, they were soon alongside. 

The Marie was a well-constructed, compact craft of 
about three hundred tons burden. She carried two masts, 
rigged as a schooner, with a light monkey yard on the 
fore for signaling purposes. As seen from a short dis- 
tance, she presented a very trim run, and looked capable 
of showing her heels to the majority of pleasure yachts of 
her size. The sides were painted black, but a broad gold 
band running from the carved figurehead — a woman’s 
face — relieved the somber effect. Like the generality of 
American yachts, she carried a flush deck, with the usual 
number of companionways and ornamental skylights. 

Just abaft the foremast was a very large and roomy 
pilot-house, which probably served as a lounge and 
smoking-room also. An awning stretched over the quar- 
terdeck gave promise of a pleasant promenade, and, as 
the middy and Lovering ran alongside, they mentally 


The Steam Yacht. 


41 

congratulated themselves on having the opportunity of 
sailing in her. 

^ At first, after reaching the deck, no one appeared in 
sight, but presently a woolly head was thrust out of the 
after companionway, and a young negro lad, clothed in a 
neat yachting uniform, emerged. 

He seemed to be about sixteen, and quite black, but as 
he approached nearer they saw that he possessed a star- 
tling incongruity — fiery red hair of the most pronounced 
hue. As Jack explained afterward, it looked like an 
angry flame bursting from a lump of coal. It was cer- 
tainly a startling contrast, to say the least. 

‘^Good-mawning, gentlemen,” he greeted them, politely 
removing his cap. ‘^Is you wanting to see any one?” 

“Not at present,” replied Gordon, hardly able to re- 
move his eyes from the boy’s head. “We are friends of 
Mr. Goodrich, and have come on board to look around at 
his invitation. Are you in charge?” 

“No, sah; I’se de cabin-boy, but capting, he’s gone 
ashore to see dis awful revolution, an’ I’se about the only 
pusson aboard. Marster Goodrich’s friends am alius wel- 
come, an’ if you will let me show you around I’ll do it 
with pleasure, sah.” 

An increased respect was noticeable in his manner on 
learning they were friends of the owner, and, with his 
capacious mouth extended from ear to ear in a concilia- 
tory grin, he led the way to the after cabin. 

It was of generous size and handsomely furnished. A 
hard wood partition, with curtains extending across the 
forward end, separated the dining-room from the saloon 


42 


The Steam Yacht. 


proper, and, opening on either side, were several small 
but very cozy staterooms. As usual, one occupying the 
entire width of the vessel aft was reserved for the owner. 
Swinging chandeliers, glass racks, a well secured picture 
or two, and a thick-woven Brussels carpet added to the 
comfortable interior. 

*‘What is your name?” asked Jack, as their sable guide 
conducted them into the engine-room. 

“Sam, sah ; Sam Sorreltop. That’s what dey all calls 
me, an’ I ’spects that’s my name. At leastwise, I done 
got no other.” 

■ “Well, it has the merit of being appropriate,” laughed 
George, “and that is more than the most of us can say.” 

“You are right, there,” the middy chimed in. “Look 
at that pilot who brought us out of New York. His 
name was Christian, and he swore so the chaplain had to 
rig preventer braces on his converts.” 

The machinery was evidently undergoing repairs, as 
the general untidiness of the engine-room and a number 
of tools lying about indicated the presence of workmen. 
They next visited the wheelhouse, and, after spending 
several minutes inspecting the appliances for steering by 
steam, gave Sam a pecuniary token and started ashore. 
It was nearly ten o’clock, but, as the market launch left a 
dock hard by, they were in ample time. 

On arriving at the ship they were greeted with open 
arms by the junior officers, who declared they had con- 
sidered them victims of Argentine bullets, and were, in 
fact, bitterly disappointed because such a splendid op- 
portunity for getting revenge and action at the same time 


The Steam Yacht. 


43 


had been lost. Paying little heed to their comrades’ 
badinage, they changed uniforms and reported to the 
captain. 

That grave and experienced officer listened to their ex- 
planations with the air of one whom thirty years of ac- 
tive service could not allow a single expression of emo- 
tion. However, he did use a nautical phrase much in 
vogue among old-school graduates of the profane sea, 
when Jack, wishing to strike while the iron was hot, 
boldly asked permission to apply to the department for 
six months’ leave of absence. 

It required all the persuasive powers of both, and a 
partial description of their plans, to induce him to yield, 
but when he once did give his consent he showed a latent 
kindness of heart by offering to cable personally to Wash- 
ington. In regard to their being forced by the com- 
mandant to join his company at the railway station, the 
captain stated that it would be impossible to do much in 
the matter with such irresponsible parties, but he would 
report the affair to the minister. 

Highly elated, they returned to the “steerage country” 
where junior officers are berthed, and prepared for an- 
other trip ashore. Just before leaving, word came off 
that a general armistice had been declared, which, to one 
versed in South American politics, would mean the actual 
triumph of one party or the other for several months at 
least. 

Owing to the explanation given the captain, they ob- 
tained permission to stay on shore until word was re- 
ceived from the Secretary of the Navy, ''on condition,” 


44 


The Steam Yacht. 


grimly added the old officer, “that they would bring him 
enough gold to fill a hollow tooth.” 

It was late in the afternoon when they reached Mr. 
Goodrich’s house, but he was at home, evidently expect- 
ing them, and the hearty greeting he extended was very 
gratifying to both. Marie also seemed pleased to renew 
their acquaintance, and when Jack gallantly inquired after 
her health, in tones worthy of the most weighty import, 
she rewarded him with a glance from her dark, sparkling 
eyes which set his heart going “pit-a-pat,” as he ex- 
plained it. 

As the household was again organized and in running 
order, the old gentleman insisted they should make their 
home with him until the day of sailing, a proposition they 
were not slow in accepting, for several reasons. The 
evening was spent in agreeable conversation, and when 
they at last retired it was with the feeling that they had 
known Mr. Goodrich and his charming daughter for 
years, not hours. 


CHAPTER VL 


A STARTLING RECOGNITION. 

The Goodrich household was astir bright and early next 
morning. Now that the expedition was almost assured — 
the only thing standing in the way being a refusal to 
grant the furloughs, which, according to the young offi- 
cers' knowledge of the service, was not probable — ^the old 
gentleman displayed an activity in arranging details sur- 
prising in one of his age. 

Having made his money early in life, a fact which, as 
he expressed it, chained him body and soul to the desk 
during his best days, he had started to see the world in a 
unique way. The project was delayed until Marie, a 
motherless child, had graduated from college ; then, buy- 
ing a steam yacht, he made a tour of the principal cities 
of Europe, living in each three months. In the course of 
time they arrived at Buenos Ayres, where he had re- 
sided only three weeks prior to the opening of this story. 

Absolutely independent, and devoted only to his daugh- 
ter, he felt himself free to embark in any enterprise. The 
sturdy, honest spirit of Jack Gordon pleased him, and he 
was equally satisfied with the more matured nature of 
the young surgeon ; so, being a man of generous impulse, 
albeit cautious when need be, he resolved to carry the 
projected search for the treasure through to the end if 
only for the benefit of his young friends. 


46 


A Startling Recognition. 


It had been decided the previous evening to visit the 
Marie early in the day, and see whether the work re- 
quired to fit her for sea could be hurried in any way. The 
Platense Company, where she was under repairs, was an 
English corporation, and it was possible a slight increase 
in the sum to be paid might act as a spur. Then a list of 
sea stores, together with arms and other items, had to be 
drawn up and submitted to purveyors. 

On the local train en route to the Boca, Mr. Goodrich 
mentioned the fact that his crew was short four men, he 
not having cared to fill the vacancies until his stay was 
drawing to a close. 

“I am very careful in my selection,’^ he continued, ‘^and 
have always made it a point to supervise that part myself. 
There is very little to do in the line of seamanship on 
board, as we seldom use the sails, and the duty of those 
forward only consists of keeping the vessel clean, except- 
ing, of course, the quartermasters and firemen. With 
good wages and food, I can reasonably expect a good 
crew, and I generally get it.” 

"‘How much of a crew do you carry?” asked Jack, al- 
ways interested in anything nautical. 

“Fifteen, including the captain, a very worthy man, to 
whom I will introduce you to-day. He is an old-type 
merchant skipper named Breeze, and rather odd in his 
manners, but, like the chained house dog, more bark than 
bite. Ah! here is the station.” 

The train pulled up at a little wooden depot just across 
from where the Marie lay. Mr. Goodrich took out a 
handkerchief, and waved it at a man standing near the 


A Startling Recognition. 47 

pilot-house, who, on seeing the signal, called several 
more from the forecastle, and soon a light, trim gig was 
waiting to convey them across the narrow stretch of 
river. Jack noticed, with professional satisfaction, the 
regulation man-of-war stroke pulled by the men, and 
when the party reached the gangway ladder he was but 
little surprised to see several others standing at attention 
on deck, with hands touching their caps. This argued 
well for discipline. 

Just as they stepped over the side a man dressed in a 
semi-naval uniform came out of a room abaft the pilot- 
house, and advanced to meet them. That it was the cap- 
tain of the yacht, they knew at a glance. It did not need 
Mr. Goodrich’s hasty introduction, because one view of 
the sturdy, well knit frame rolling along the deck, and the 
bronzed, weather-beaten face, with a tuft of shaggy gray 
whiskers fringing the lower edge like the feathering rim 
of a storm cloud, proclaimed him the skipper at once. 

As he shook hands, his gnarled and horny fingers 
grasped theirs with a clutch practiced on many a weather 
leech, and, in a voice borrowed from some forty years of 
tempests, he roared : 

“Deadlights! but I am glad to see ye! The commo- 
dore’s friends, eh? and naval officers from the Wampum. 
Well, that’s good. Do ye know, I seen that self-same old 
cruiser in Singapore over twenty-five years ago. She 
was a smart ship then, but, bless ye ! she’s only fit to carry 
coal these days. The idea of putting likely young fel- 
lows on board that Noah’s ark. Why it’s a ripping 
shame. But times is changing now, an’ in the new 


48 A Startling Recognition. 

navy Is Shag on board, did ye say, commodore? 

Yes; down in your room. Going down, eh? Well, Fll 
follow ye just as soon as I write the log.’' He lurched 
away, leaving Jack to wonder whether he had not lived 
in Dickens’ times as Captain Bunsby. 

The party adjourned to the cabin, where Mr. Good- 
rich, opening the door leading into his private room, re- 
leased a big Newfoundland dog, which, hurling his huge 
bulk against the old gentleman, nearly knocked him off 
his feet. 

“Down, Shag ! Down, boy ! Where is Sam ?” 

At the question, the intelligent animal rushed from one 
room to another, and then darted into the pantry, from 
where he presently triumphantly emerged, dragging the 
red-headed negro boy by the trousers leg. That he had 
been in mischief was indicated by his appearance of con- 
fusion, but it was further groven by a sticky mass of jam 
around his mouth and fingers. 

“What is this?” demanded Mr. Goodrich, but in a 
voice filled with laughter. “Making free with the stores, 
eh? Well, we will have to teach you a lesson. Take him 
on deck. Shag, and keep him prisoner until I send up 
word.” 

Sam disappeared, a willing captive, and from his ac- 
tions seemed on the best of terms with his canine jailer. 
The sound of muffled barking and skurrying feet over- 
head proclaimed an apparent attempt at jail delivery be- 
fore many minutes had passed. 

“That is a good boy, but he is mischievous,” explained 
the old gentleman. “Did you ever see a more funny- 


49 


A Startling Recognition. 

looking head? When I go into a foreign port I am al- 
most afraid to let him ashore because of the crowds that 
follow him on the streets. Now, boys, if you will come 
with me we will see what can be done about the repairs.’’ 

Leaving the yacht, they walked over a gangplank lead- 
ing to the dock, and were soon in the main office of the 
Platense Company. What passed between Mr. Good- 
rich and the superintendent was not known by the young 
officers, but when they returned on board an increased 
din was noticeable in the engine-room, and several new 
men reported for duty. 

“He now says she can be ready for sea in two weeks,” 
said the owner, with a chuckle. “Gold is a powerful 
metal, eh, my treasure-seekers?” 

“Well, I hope we shall find enough of the power to 
move us in affluence,” replied Lovering, cheerfully. “But 
that reminds me of the queer disappearance of Garcia’s 
body. It seems to me they wouldn’t remove the dead 
until daylight, especially on a housetop.” 

“Wherever his body went, the poor beggar cannot be 
alive,” reasoned Jack, “or else he would come for that 
precious paper. Fancy the man killing three others for 
it, and then letting it go ; not much.” 

“His being alive is out of the question, and I don’t think 
we need worry about him,” said Mr. Goodrich, conclu- 
sively. “We will now get to work figuring on stores and 
other supplies.” 

Several hours were spent in drawing up a list, which 
included, among other things, a dozen repeating rifles and 
revolvers. 


50 


A Startling Recognition. 


A large quantity of ammunition was also ordered, to- 
gether with the necessary camp equipage for use on the 
island. After taking lunch on board, a start was made 
for the city, with the intention of spending the afternoon 
at the house. 

It is not necessary to go into details concerning the 
following ten days, as nothing of interest occurred except 
the department’s approval of the application for fur- 
loughs. These were sent ashore some days later, and on 
their receipt Gordon and Lovering felt themselves indeed 
embarked on a momentous journey. 

It was finally resolved on the part of Mr. Goodrich to 
take his daughter with them. At first he proposed to 
leave her at an acquaintance’s house in Buenos Ayres, but 
her pleading, and the fact that she had not been separated 
from him for a day since leaving the United States, al- 
tered his determination. Jack did not care to enter his 
voice in approval, but it might have been noticed that his 
spiritual barometer rose considerably when told of the 
result by Marie. 

On the tenth day after the revolution, the entire party 
moved on board the yacht preparatory to setting out on 
the voyage. There was an abundance of room, and as 
the craft had been especially fitted up, regardless of ex- 
pense, for the owner’s comfort, it proved very much of a 
home. To the young officers, accustomed as they had 
been for several years to the questionable conveniences of 
a man-of-war steerage, they felt that it was luxury in- 
deed. 

As Jack put it, touching an electric button for imme- 


A Startling Recognition. 51 

diate attention was vastly different from straining one^s 
voice for a skulking servant. 

Mr. Goodrich had been unable to complete his crew as 
yet. There had been various applicants, but none satis- 
factory. He did not care to break his rule of selecting 
those men who could furnish good references, both writ- 
ten and facial, and he prided himself on being able to 
judge a man's character by his countenance. 

The day after their arrival on board, Jack and the 
‘‘commodore," as the captain called him, to his infinite 
amusement, were down in the latter's room making sev- 
eral copies of the map obtained from Garcia. George 
Lovering was in his own stateroom arranging a series of 
shelves as a medical dispensary. 

Suddenly Captain Breeze's huge bulk filled the com- 
panion-hatch, and, like a subdued whirlwind, came his 
voice, rattling the glasses on the table-rack. 

“Ahoy! the commodore!" 

Mr. Goodrich laughed, and, nudging Jack, made a 
trumpet of his hands, and replied : 

“Ahoy ! the captain ; what is in sight ?" 

“Ye air wanted on deck. Three or four crafts hove 
alongside wanting to ship. They air trim built, and it 
might pay ye to overhaul them." 

Telling him to detain them a moment, the old gentle- 
man finished his work, and, bidding Jack follow him, 
went up to the pilot-house. There they found four 
sailors leaning against the rail, who, on their approach, 
doffed hats, and respectfully listened, while one of their 
number stated their application. They were likely-look- 


52 A Startling Recognition. 

ing lad^, with the exception of the spokesman. He 
seemed to be a Spaniard, or possibly an Italian, and had 
evidently just recovered from a severe illness. His dark, 
swarthy face was drawn and wan, and as he talked, in 
fairly good English, he was occasionally interrupted by 
a convulsive cough. 

His words were in substance a desire on the part of the 
three to ship on board the Marie as seamen or firemen. 
As for himself, the senor could see that he had been ill, 
but he was recovering rapidly, and the doctors had told 
him that if he could go on a voyage where the work was 
light he would soon be a well man. All this he poured 
forth in a voluble stream, clasping his hands in supplica- 
tion, and invoking the saints to influence the heart of the 
good gentleman. 

“What do you say. Jack?” asked Mr. Goodrich, sym- 
pathetically. “I like the appearance of the three lads; 
they are strong and will make good firemen. This poor 
fellow can help around, and I do not like to refuse such 
an appeal as that.” 

The middy saw that Mr. Goodrich had made up his 
mind, and, although to him the Spaniard’s face was not 
altogether prepossessing, he simply murmured his ac- 
quiescence. 

As they were turning away, after informing the cap- 
tain that he could ship the four men, they heard an ex- 
clamation, and saw George advancing rapidly toward the 
group. His face was pale, and, pointing toward the 
Spaniard, he cried : 

“Jack! that man’s face! Quick! Who is he?” 


CHAPTER VIL 


AN ACCIDENT ON THE RIVER. 

Looking at the young surgeon in wonder, Gordon an- 
swered slowly: 

“Why, George, what is the matter? These men have 
come on board to ship. I don’t know their names yet.” 

Mr. Goodrich had remained staring from one to the 
other, apparently unable to speak from astonishment. 
The man himself seemed to be as much surprised as the 
rest, and, turning to one of his companions, said some- 
thing in an undertone. 

Then Lovering, eyeing him closely, gave a short laugh, 
and replied in what he evidently tried to make a careless 
tone: 

“I suppose I am mistaken, but this man’s face reminds 
me of some one I saw the other night under peculiar cir- 
cumstances. Come to think of it, the thing is impos- 
sible.” 

“The senor probably wishes to know my name,” spoke 
up the Spaniard, suavely. “It is Juan Lopez. I have 
never met the senor, to my knowledge.” 

<‘No — no! That is all right,” replied George. “It is 
only a fancied resemblance.” Then, turning on his heel, 
he walked aft, followed by Jack and Mr. Goodrich. 

Captain Breeze had remained a silent spectator of the 


54 


An Accident on the River. 


whole occurrence until now. As the others moved away 
they could hear him growl in what he thought was a 
whisper, but in reality it sounded like the distant mutter- 
ing of a gale. Occasional words such as “lubbers” and 
“half-baked” sailors caused them to look back, and they 
saw him in the act of shoving the new men down the 
forecastle hatch with no gentle touch. 

On reaching the companion way leading below, Jack 
stopped, and, placing his hand on the young surgeon’s 
shoulder, said firmly : 

“George, who did you think that fellow was? Now 
tell me. I believe you really did recognize some one.” 

“No, Jack, honestly, I was mistaken. I thought it was 
— pshaw! the thing is absurd. Don’t let us talk any 
more about it.” 

Turning to Mr. Goodrich, he continued, with a laugh: 

“It’s funny how people will sometimes be deceived by 
a fancied resemblance, isn’t it?” 

“If you know anything against this man let me know at 
once,” replied the old man, gravely. “I am only taking 
him out of sympathy for his unfortunate position, but 
even that would not influence me if I thought he was un- 
worthy of it.” 

Lovering insisted that he had made a mistake, so the 
subject was dropped, and soon forgotten. The new men 
set to work at once, two of them in the fireroom and the 
other two, one of whom was Lopez, on deck. The latter 
seemed a very willing hand, and, despite his illness, able 
to attend to any duties given him. 

Even Captain Breeze was forced to acknowledge in 


An Accident on the River. 55 

time that his presence on board did not necessarily turn 
the ship into a hospital as he had prophesied. 

Occasionally George would meet him on deck, and ask 
if he needed any medicine, but Juan always replied with 
a cheerful smile that all he needed was plenty of good 
salt air. 

At last the momentous day arrived when the “Terra 
del Fuegan Treasure Company, Limited,’^ was to make its 
first cast for fortune. The repairs to the engines had 
been completed, stores received on board, and all that re- 
mained necessary to commence the voyage was the haul- 
ing in of dock ropes and a severance from Argentine ter- 
ritory. 

To commemorate the start, Mr. Goodrich ordered a col- 
lation served in the saloon, which was noticeably con- 
spicuous for the absence of wine. In the short speech he 
made at the conclusion, he said that the keystone of his 
success was non-indulgence in any spirituous beverage, 
and that a roof of his would never cover a drop, except 
for medicinal purposes. 

At exactly eight bells (noon) the party, with the ex- 
ception of Marie, who remained aft under the awning, 
took their station on the bridge, and at a signal from the 
captain the ropes were cast lose. The Boca is a very 
narrow stream, and, crowded as it is with moving craft 
of every description, navigation is extremely difficult and 
slow. 

A short distance from the mouth is an entrance into 
the new docks, and it was just here that an accident hap- 
pened which nearly led to fatal results. Captain Breeze 


56 


An Accident on the River. 


had the yacht under one bell, and kept the whistle going 
constantly. The stalwart young sailors were at the 
wheel, and it required watchful care and prompt obe- 
dience to answer all commands from the pilot. 

All went well until the Marie arrived at the entrance 
mentioned above. Just as she was passing, a huge tramp 
steamer came swinging in, and, either from an unman- 
ageable rudder or carelessness on the part of some one, 
crowded the bow of the smaller vessel against the dock. 
Then ensued a scene of great confusion. The officers on 
board the tramp rushed up and down, issuing orders in a 
queer mixture of German and English, and in their ex- 
citement forgot to stop the engines. 

The result was inevitable. Pushed by the gigantic 
force of ten hundred horse power, the yacht heeled over 
and over until she listed at an angle of fifty degrees. 

It was a perilous moment. A little further and the iron 
fabric would be crushed like an egg shell, or else cap- 
sized to sink beneath the waters of the river. When the 
first shock came it found Captain Breeze engaged in con- 
signing the eyes of the German skipper to a much warmer 
region, but when actual danger threatened he ceased 
shouting and set every bell in the engine-room jingling 
at a terrifice rate. Then, leaping from the bridge with 
an incredible activity, lowered several cork fenders over 
the side next the dock. 

In the meantime. Jack had not been idle. At the first 
sign of peril he thought of Marie, and, running aft, hid 
almost reached her side^ when a sudden lurch of the hull 
caused the frightened girl to slip against the rail netting. 


An Accident on the River. 


57 


Thinking all was lost, she uttered one long cry for help, 
and, before he could prevent it, leaped over the stern into 
the swiftly rushing waters. Not stopping to divest him- 
self of outer clothing, the middy gained the side with one 
bound, and, spurning the rail with his foot, jumped to the 
rescue. 

Mr. Goodrich, a helpless spectator on the bridge, saw 
with horror his daughter’s rash act, and, but for the 
young surgeon, would have gone after his child. Hur- 
riedly assuring him that Jack would save her. Lovering 
rushed to the stern as fast as the sloping deck would per- 
mit, and, unloosening a circular life-preserver, threw it as 
far as his strength would permit. To his joy he saw the 
middy, with one arm around Marie, struggle toward it, 
and, after a few frantic efforts, succeed in grasping the 
dependent cords:' *By that time a dozen boats had put otf 
from shore, and one soon had them in safety. 

All this happened in far less time than it takes to de- 
scribe it. In fact, thirty seconds had not elapsed be- 
tween the time the collision had occurred and the mishap 
to Marie. But in that period Captain Breeze had, with 
rare presence of mind, performed an act which ultimately 
saved the ship. Seeing that the German officers were too 
badly frightened to back their vessel, he grasped a rope 
dangling over the tramp’s side, and, with the agility of a 
cat, clambered on deck. Once there it did not take long 
to find the indicator leading into the engine-room. Giv- 
ing the lever a wrench which almost pulled it from the 
socket, he telegraphed “stop” and “astern, full speed,” 
and soon had the satisfaction of seeing the larger ship 


58 


An Accident on the River. 


move slowly away. With a sudden lurch, the Marie 
righted herself, and after a few rolls remained on an even 
keel. 

Calling a shore boat, he first deliberately snapped his 
fingers in the skipper’s face, and, with a disdainful 
‘‘Bah !” which could have been heard a mile inland, 
lowered himself out of sight, leaving them staring with 
open-mouthed wonder. Once on board the yacht it did 
not take him long to ascertain that very little if any dam- 
age had been done, thanks to his own foresight in using 
the fenders. Jack and Marie were by that time in the 
cabin donning dry clothes. They appeared none the 
worse for their involuntary bath, and the middy was soon 
on deck again, receiving the heartfelt thanks of Mr. 
Goodrich. 

“It is only another item in the list of services you have 
rendered me,” he said, wringing Gordon’s hand, “and, 
my boy, I shall surely find occasion to repay you as you 
deserve.” But ungrateful Jack thought more of a few 
broken words of gratitude he had just heard from Marie 
than all else. 


CHAPTER VIIL 


THE WAIF. 

At first Mr. Goodrich intended to remain in Buenos 
Ayres and secure damages from the German steamer, as 
the mishap was palpably the German skipper’s fault, but, 
on ascertaining that a few coats of paint would cover 
everything, he decided to continue the voyage. No fur- 
ther mishap detained them, and by nightfall they were 
well clear of the river. At his own request Jack had been 
installed as first officer, or mate, taking the place of the 
regular man, who had elected to remain behind. 

He was fully competent to attend to the various duties 
of the position, and, so far as navigation went, could have 
probably given the captain instructions in that science. 
The latter and he stood watch at night, but it was ex- 
pected that an old sailor named Ben Brett would be given 
temporary charge of the deck during calm weather. 

The crew had been divided into two watches, starboard 
and port, containing three men each. Jack taking the lat- 
ter. Juan Lopez, the Spaniard; an ordinary seaman 
called Dawson and a New Jersey lad sailing under the 
title of *‘Bob,” formed his crew. Captain Breeze had 
Ben and two others. 

In the engineer’s department were six all told, includ- 
ing the chief, Mr. Watts, and one assistant. Two of the 


6o 


The Waif. 


men who shipped with Lopez acted as firemen, and proved 
very trustworthy. These details are necessary to a 
proper understanding of certain incidents which befell 
the good yacht Marie on her voyage toward the south. 

At the time of sailing the weather had promised fair, 
and the mercurial barometer in the captain’s cabin regis- 
tered above thirty, but to that cautious old salt’s evident 
perturbation, it commenced to drop steadily on the sec- 
ond day out. This, as he very well knew, portended a 
pampero, that most peculiar of gales, only to be met with 
on the South American coast. 

The sky remained clear, but away off toward the dis- 
tant horizon a tremulous line of sullen clouds gradually 
crept higher and higher, until at last it formed a black, 
frowning belt, from which came a howling squall, sweep- 
ing the stretch of sea with resistless force. 

The sudden change from an almost placid ocean to a 
heaving surface of storm tossed waves was remarkable. 
From his station on the bridge the middy looked upon a 
scene never before encountered in his experience. At 
first a low moaning of the wind through the taut cordage 
overhead sounded. It was like the faint growling of a 
wild beast ready to spring; then, gradually increasing 
until the bellowing of the gale deafened all other noises, a 
mighty force struck the yacht, sending her almost on her 
beam ends. Coming from the direction of the land could 
be seen a dark line of water, curling over into colorless 
crests. 

Gathering strength as it gained deeper soundings, it 
swept on and on, the advance guard of a tumultuous sea. 


The Waif. 


6i 


until, before the watchers could hardly realize the fact, 
they were in the midst of it, a tossing cork on the bound- 
less waste. Everything had been battened down hours 
ago, and life-lines stretched wherever convenient. The 
yacht was stanch and well constructed, and, although she 
pitched and rolled so the crew could barely keep their 
feet, yet no immediate danger was anticipated. 

Swathed in oil-skins and a huge south wester. Jack 
clung to the bridge’s rail, and faced the tempest in calm 
satisfaction. He loved his calling, and seemed never 
happier than when old ocean showed his wildest moods. 
The captain stood at his side, an incarnation of Father 
Neptune, with beard glistening from the salty spray, and 
his sun-tanned visage as imperturbable as the Sphinx. 

All night long the storm raged with unabated fury, and, 
when a few pale streaks of light pierced the somber bank 
of clouds to leeward, it shone stern and uncompromising 
upon the desolate scene. All night long both Jack and 
the captain remained at their post, watchful and vigilant. 
A small staysail had been set forward to steady the yacht 
as much as possible, and the course was abandoned for 
the time being, she simply running before the wind with a 
slight southerly tack. 

As soon as it became light enough to see any distance 
ahead. Jack took the binocle and searched long and 
earnestly for possible neighbors. At first he could dis- 
cern nothing save an interminable monotony of waters, 
but, happening to glance at a spot on the horizon made 
lighter by a rift in the clouds, he discovered a faint, 
gleaming point which could only be the glint of a sail. 


62 


The Waif. 


Handing the glass to Captain Breeze, Gordon indicated 
the place with his finger, and awaited the decision of that 
ancient mariner. It was not long coming. Giving the 
railing in front of him a bang with his brawny fist, he 
shouted to the helmsman to keep her off a couple of 
points, and then communicated to Jack his intention, 
given in a voice which rumbled above the tempests best 
efforts, of bearing down on her, “for, ye know, lad, she 
might^e a-wanting something, an’ it’s the commodore’s 
orders never to neglect an opportunity to give aid.” 

They watched the speck gradually grow larger and 
more plain, until at last it stood revealed, a bark ap- 
parently drifting at the mercy of the waves. From afar 
off the captain saw something wrong in the swing of her 
yards, and, gluing his eyes to the glasses, explained to 
Jack that she was either abandoned or should be. 

“She’s lumber laden an’ water-logged as sure as guns. 
Her mainmast is gone, an’ there’s not much life in her, 
as ye can tell by that there roll,” he added, critically sur- 
veying the tossing hulk through the binocle. “It’s not 
this gale which wrecked her, that’s sartin, for she’s been 
that way for days.” 

“I wonder if there is any one on board?” mused the 
middy, half to himself. 

“Don’t see any sign yet. I hope not, for this sea is a 
sight too rough for our boats. Lor’ love ye! even that 
air quarter-boat wouldn’t live two minutes. That’s the 
trouble with these pamperos, as the dagos call them. 
They kick up such a pother in a short time, but then it 
don’t take long to blow over. I expect this one will be 



“Who is he?” 


See page 52 





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The Waif. 


63 

gone before long ; it feels like it. Just take the deck till 
I run down an’ look at the barometer. Keep her a-head- 
ing for the bark. Fll be back before we get close.” 

He had hardly left the bridge before a sudden cry from 
Gordon caused him to glance up. The middy stood point- 
ing toward the wreck, and, with the other hand, beckon- 
ing him to return. 

“What on ’arth’s the matter now?” exclaimed the cap- 
tain, running up the ladder again. 

“There is some one on board of her,” replied Jack, ex- 
citedly. “Take the glass and look just abaft the galley. 
There! that spot is moving sure; I can see it with my 
naked eye now.” 

Just then Mr. Goodrich, accompanied by Lovering, 
came on deck, and was soon at their side. Gordon hur- 
riedly explained. 

“What!” exclaimed the old gentleman, with emotion. 
“A human being on that wreck, and in peril? Some- 
thing mull be done at once. Captain Breeze, can you 
send a boat or devise any means to rescue the poor crea- 
ture?” 

The hardy old sailor squinted one eye at the sea and 
slowly shook his head. 

“Not possible at present, commodore. None of our 
small craft will float in that smother. But the weather 
is clearing a leetle mite, an’ if we lay by for a couple of 
hours, p’raps the sea’ll go down.” 

It was decided to do as he suggested, and signals were 
run up to show that they would not leave the vicinity. 
The yacht was close enough now to enable them to plainly 


64 


The Waif. 


distinguish the vessel’s deck. It presented a picture of 
destruction almost impossible to realize, strewn with 
wreckage of every description; snarls of cordage, frag- 
ments of spars and masts, and an indescribable confusion 
of broken hen-coops, boats, lumber and what not, all 
showing the power of the storm it must have encoun- 
tered. 

But that which riveted their attention and made their 
hearts grow faint as they noticed the sullen, sluggish roll 
of the derelict, was a human figure now standing aft on 
the poop, waving its arms in piteous supplication. It 
seemed to be that of a young lad, probably not over fif- 
teen, truly a youthful age to be found in such a position. 

As they watched the movements of the hulk, they no- 
ticed with anxiety that its decks were almost awash with 
the sea. Suddenly a larger wave than usual struck the 
stern with terrific force, sending tons of water over the 
cabin house. At first they thought it had carried the lad 
away, but a moment later he was seen climbing the 
mizzen rigging. An involuntary cheer burst from their 
lips, only to be followed by a cry of horror as they saw 
the hull disappear before their eyes, swallowed up by the 
remorseless ocean. 

“He is gone !” groaned Mr. Goodrich, his blanched face 
quivering with emotion. 

But suddenly Lovering, who had grabbed the glass 
from its case on the rail, excitedly called out that he could 
see something resembling a head in the midst of a mass of 
wreckage near where the vessel had disappeared. In- 
stantly all were looking in that direction. 


The Waif. 


65 


‘‘There it is !” cried Jack, pointing with his hand, then, 
turning to the old gentleman, he continued resolutely: 
“Mr. Goodrich, if you will give me a boat. I’ll try to save 
that lad.” 

Carried away by the excitement of the moment, the 
commodore gave his consent, and, not waiting for in- 
structions, the middy rushed aft, followed by four men 
who had instantly responded to his call for volunteers. 

The lashing of the quarter-boat was cut away, and, 
watching for a favorable opportunity, they safely lowered 
her into the water. Two minutes later the tossing craft 
was speeding on its errand of mercy. 


CHAPTER IX. 

A SURPRISE. 


The weather showed signs of abating. Toward the 
east a blue patch of sky became visible, fringed with 
fleecy gray clouds. The wind still blew with undimin- 
ished fury, but an occasional lull, momentary in duration, 
indicated a change for the better. 

Leaving those on board the yacht to watch the scene 
with anxious hearts, we will accompany Jack on his 
perilous journey. After the boat had shoved away from 
under the lee of the counter it was almost smothered in 
a mass of spume, but the middy’s skillful hand kept her 
out of the trough of the sea, and headed as near as pos- 
sible toward the form he could barely discern some hun- 
dreds of yards distant. 

There were four stalwart men handling the oars, and 
it needed all their strength to prevent the frail craft from 
capsizing. Several times a green-crested wave broke 
over them, filling the bottom of the boat, requiring the 
service of one in bailing it out. But at last, after a hard, 
long pull, and a constant battle with the angry waters, 
they reached the fragment of spar to which the young lad 
was still clinging. He seemed almost exhausted, and 
when Jack called out to him to let go as they swept past, 
the middy saw they were just in time. 


A Surprise. 67 

Holding the steering oar with one hand, Gordon man- 
aged to grasp his arm with the other, and, assisted by 
one of the men, had the almost inanimate body over the 
gunwale in safety. A wavering cheer came from the 
yacht, heard even above the roaring of the gale, and the 
sound put new strength into them. 

It required cautious work to head the other way, but, 
watching his chance. Jack managed to accomplish the 
manoeuvre with no greater damage than a thorough wet- 
ting. The greatest danger was still to come. Riding the 
waves in the open was mere child’s play compared to 
hooking onto the boat tackles with such a sea running. 
One contact with the yacht’s iron hull would smash the 
boat into kindling-wood. 

As they approached nearer Gordon was glad to see that 
preparations had been made to lower a boatswain’s chair 
at the spanker-boom end. He knew this was meant for 
the now unconscious lad. As they rounded the stern the 
men backed water just under the dangling rope. After 
several ineffectual attempts, their waif was securely 
fastened and hoisted on board in a jiffy. Now came the 
tug-of-war. 

Captain Breeze, thorough seaman that he was, had 
kept the yacht heading so as to form a bit of tranquil sea 
on that side containing the boat davits. 

Steering as close as he dared, the middy suddenly ran 
her in, and she was hooked on before the vessel rose to 
the next wave. Willing hands were ready to pull' away 
on the falls, the word was given, and with a “Yeo heave 
ho!” the quarter-boat quit the water in safety. 


68 


A Surprise. 


But, just as the double blocks of the hoisting tackle 
touched each other, a ring in the bow gave way, and with 
a sudden crash she dropped back into the raging seas. 
It happened so quickly that only two of the crew were 
able to save themselves. The rest went with her. 

Jack, from his place in the stern, had adjusted the falls, 
and at the very moment the catastrophe occurred, he was 
busily engaged clearing them so they would run free. 
When he felt the shock he clung to the tackles, and was 
hauled inboard by those on deck. The man in the bow 
was rescued in a similar manner. 

As for the other three sailors, at first they were no- 
v/here to be seen, and it was feared that, stunned by the 
fall, they had gone down without a struggle. But pres- 
ently Lovering's sharp eyes espied them floating in the 
midst of the boat’s wreckage. Captain Breeze had hove 
the steamer to before the middy’s return, so they were 
now directly astern, but being rapidly carried away by 
the restless impulse of the sea. 

It was a mioment of extreme peril for them. Some 
little time would be required to launch the other boat, and 
it was doubtful whether they could keep up that long. 
Several life-preservers had been thrown overboard, 
which, together with the lumber from the bark, and other 
debris, would afford a temporary support if they could 
only reach them. 

For a brief space even the veteran skipper was horror- 
stricken at the accident. It occurred so suddenly that all 
they could do for the moment was to stare helplessly at 
the struggling figures in the water. Then several men 


A Surprise. 


69 


rushed toward the other falls, and without waiting for 
orders, commenced casting off the gripes. Jack and the 
young surgeon were foremost, and worked like beavers. 
Even Mr. Goodrich tried to assist, but his limited knowl- 
edge handicapped his efforts, and, leaving that to the 
others, he turned his attention to the waif, who was still 
lying on the deck where he had been placed. 

After some little delay, caused by the long unused ropes 
jamming in the blocks, they at last had the boat swinging 
free from the side, and she was lowered down with a 
crew under charge of Ben Brett. The middy had insisted 
on making it his trip also, but he was peremptorily or- 
dered to remain on board by the captain, who added 
grimly : 

‘'One bite of the cherry is enough, my lad. You young 
fellers want all the glory these here days, an’ there’s old 
Brett who was a steerin’ a boat while you rocked in a 
three-foot cradle as would like a chance hisself.” 

Old Ben took his chance, and acquitted himself credit- 
ably. Under his skillful guidance the three men, who 
had managed to keep themselves above water by clinging 
to pieces of the wreck, were rescued, and the entire party 
returned to the yacht without further mishap. This time 
the rings held to their duty, and at last all were safe on 
board, imbibing copious draughts of hot coffee especially 
brewed for them at the galley fire. 

Aft in the cabin Lovering was preparing to resuscitate 
the innocent cause of all the trouble. The sufferer had 
been placed on a settee in the main saloon, where, after a 
few minutes’ work, the young surgeon had the satisfac- 


70 


A Surprise. 


tion of seeing him open his eyes. He glanced wildly 
about from face to face, then, trying to spring erect, mut- 
tered something which Jack, standing close by, under- 
stood to be a Spanish sentence. 

“Just lie quiet for a while,” replied the middy in the 
same tongue. “You are on board an American yacht, 
and all you need now is a little rest.” 

Obeying Gordon’s advice, he fell back on the sofa, but 
his eyes still roved about the cabin in evident search of 
something. Suddenly he noticed Marie a little to the 
rear of the others, and, jumping up again, he tottered 
over to where she stood. Then, to the great surprise of 
all, he bent over and whispered in her ear. 

Those watching saw an expression of astonishment 
come over Marie’s face, immediately followed by a look 
of intense sympathy; then the girl, throwing one arm 
around the waif’s waist, beckoned to her father. Mysti- 
fied beyond measure, the old gentleman walked over to 
them, but, on being spoken to by his daughter, turned to 
the others, and, removing his hat, said, gallantly: 

“Gentlemen, you have had the honor of rescuing a 
member of the opposite sex !” 

To say they were astounded would be using an expres- 
sion totally inadequate to the occasion. The middy sim- 
ply whistled a prolonged “phew — w!” then recollecting 
himself, turned to Lovering with a blank look, ludicrous 
in the extreme. The little by-play did not last long, 
however. Both young officers advanced and courteously 
bowed, while Gordon, extending his hand, exclaimed : 

“The happiness of being able to assist a fellow-creature 


A Surprise. 71 

has taken an added charm which I cannot express in 
words.’" 

This very fine sentence was unfortunately spoiled by a 
loud guflfaw from the direction of the pantry. Turning, 
they saw Sam’s shiny black face distended by a grin of 
huge proportions. The ridiculous sight served to put 
them on friendly terms at once, and, after a few further 
words, Marie led her new companion to her stateroom. 

*‘Well, this is rather an unexpected denouement to your 
little adventure, eh, Jack?” smiled Lx)vering. 

“Yes; I wouldn’t have been more surprised if we had 
run across a mermaid on the bark,” replied the middy. 
“But, seriously, this is a peculiar state of affairs. I won- 
der how she came to be alone, and in that rig, too. Some 
mystery about it.” 

“The young lady will no doubt tell her story just as 
soon as she gets into proper clothing,” said Mr. Goodrich. 
“It is fortunate Marie has plenty, isn’t it? They seem 
to be about the same size, and of probably equal age. It 
is extremely lucky we chanced to be near. I shudder to 
think of the narrow escape she has had.” 

“Narrow, indeed,” coincided George, gravely. “She 
must have passed through a terrible experience, even be- 
fore we sighted the wreck. By the way, the vessel was 
probably Spanish. Didn’t she speak to you in that lan- 
guage, Jack ?” 

“Yes,” laconically replied Gordon; then, walking to- 
ward the stairs leading above, he added : “I am going on 
deck to see how the weather is. If she comes out don’t 
forget to call me ; I want to hear her story.” 


72 


A Surprise. 


During the preceding half-hour the storm had sub- 
sided considerably. There was still a high sea running/ 
but that would naturally continue for some time. When 
the middy reached the deck he looked aloft, after the 
manner of sailors, and found an almost cloudless sky 
overhead. A few fleecy remnants could be seen to lee- 
ward, but there was a “touch” to the wind which be- 
tokened the coming of fairer weather. 

Going forward to the bridge, he found Captain Breeze 
pacing slowly up and down, looking little like a man who 
had not slept for twenty hours. When Jack told him the 
news he fairly gasped for breath, and then poured forth 
a string of nautical ejaculations wondrous to hear. Call- 
ing up old Brett, he bade him take charge while he went 
below to see “tha’ new female.” 

In passing down the after hatch, they suddenly heard 
a loud commotion below, and, on hurrying to the saloon 
deck, saw a tableau startling in the extreme. 


CHAPTER X. 


MUTINY. 

Standing near the center-table was Juan Lopez, the 
Spaniard, with an expression of fear paling his swarthy 
face. He had shrunk behind a narrow gilded stancheon, 
and was looking with distended eyes toward an open 
stateroom door on the starboard side. 

As Jack and the captain reached the bottom of the 
stairs, they were just in time to see the young girl, now 
clad in garments befitting her sex, step toward Lopez and 
utter an exclamation in Spanish. She was trembling vio- 
lently, and the horror imprinted on her countenance was 
distinguishable even from where they stood. 

Behind her were Marie and Mr. Goodrich, both evi- 
dently very much astonished at the scene, and, coming 
out of his room, was the young surgeon, who, as he saw 
Gordon, walked quickly over to him and muttered : 

“Jack, keep your eyes on that fellow ; something is up !” 

He had barely uttered the warning, when Lopez made a 
sudden spring toward them and darted up the stairs. 
The middy tried to catch his arm as he passed, but was 
not quick enough, and they soon heard the fellow’s feet 
pattering on the deck overhead. 

Not understanding the trouble, none attempted to pur- 
sue him, but turned their attention to the girl instead. 


74 


Mutiny. 


She had swooned, and was now lying in Marie's arms. 
At a word from her father the latter placed her on the 
sofa, where she was speedily revived by the judicious use 
of cold water. As soon as she seemed sufficiently re- 
covered, the old gentleman asked her to explain. 

“Ah, senores!” she commenced, looking in a terrified 
manner toward the steps. “Do not let that man go free. 
He is a murderer, and killed two men on my father’s 
vessel in Montevideo !” 

“A murderer!” echoed Mr. Goodrich, quickly’. “Cap- 
tain Breeze, have him seen to at once. See that he is 
placed where he can do no harm. A murderer, eh? and 
at large on my yacht. Well, this is a pretty pass. Jack, 
go with the captain, and, if necessary, call all hands to 
secure the villain. Have him locked up in the lamp- 
room until we can make other arrangements.” 

The middy bounded up the companion stairs, two steps 
at a time, but, waiting at the top for Captain Breeze, 
walked rapidly forward with him. On reaching the pilot- 
house, they saw a group of sailors standing just under 
the bridge. Old Brett was leaning over the rail pointing 
toward the forecastle hatch, evidently issuing some order. 

“What on ’arth is the matter with that crazy dago you 
shipped in the Boca, captain ?” he asked, making a speak- 
ing trumpet of his hands. “He shot past here a minute 
ago, followed by them three men that came on board with 
him. He is in the forecastle thar now.” 

“Rout ’em out an’ call all hands to muster !” roared the 
now exasperated skipper. “That skulkin’ shark has sent 
two mates to Davy Jones. Murdered them in cold blood. 


Mutiny. 


75 


We don’t want any such ballast aboard this hooker. 
Ben, you keep on the bridge while I clear the fo’cas’le.” 

Followed by Gordon and the rest of the crew, Captain 
Breeze strode toward the forward hatch, picking up a 
belaying pin on the way. Beating with the instrument 
on the wooden canopy, he sang out in stentorious tones : 

'‘Roust out of there, you men! All hands on deck! 
Tumble up lively or I’ll help ye a little !” 

Jack, who was standing at the top of the hatch, saw a 
head thrust out at the foot of the ladder. Then a hand 
appeared in view, holding a revolver pointing directly at 
him. 

“We want to see Mr. Goodrich, the owner of this 
yacht,” demanded the Spaniard, for it was he. 

“Ye’ll see nobody. Come out o’ that, I tell ye ! What 
d’ye mean, ye silly loons? If the fo’cas’le isn’t empty in 
two minutes it’s mutiny, an’ I’ll hang the hull lot. Don’t 
give me any more of your slack, but obey orders.” 
Turning to one of the men, he whispered: “Here, you 
Sam, look at the head of my bunk and fetch a couple of 
pistols you’ll find there. Hurry up, now!. I’ll show 
them villains what’s what.” 

The middy had stepped back out of range, and was 
considering with the captain the advisability of calling 
Mr. Goodrich, when, glancing aft, they saw him coming, 
accompanied by the young surgeon. 

“Where is that man ?” asked the old gentleman, 
anxiously. 

“Down below thar,” gruffly replied Breeze. “He’s 
armed an’ has the three lubbers that shipped at the same 


76 


Mutiny. 


time a-backing him. I am afraid there’s going to be 
trouble. He’s a hard case, from all appearances, and 
wants a fight. Well, I’ll give him a dose he’ll remember, 
if they air not up in two minutes.” 

“He asked for you, Mr. Goodrich,” added Jack. “I 
think you had better parley with them. Here, stand a 
little to one side; then, in case they fire, you will be safe.” 

The old gentleman gave him a startled glance. He be- 
gan to realize that the affair was really serious, and it 
flashed over him that four desperate men, armed with re- 
volvers, could cause a tragedy with very little effort. He 
was adverse to using force if there was any other way 
out of it, but a murderous scoundrel like Lopez must be 
secured at all hazards. 

“Below there,” he called out; “I am Mr. Goodrich. 
What do you wish?” 

There was silence for a moment, then a confused sound 
of voices came to their ears. They could hear the Span- 
iard arguing with the others in impatient tones, but no 
answer was vouchsafed to his question. 

“Fo’cas’le thar!” exclaimed the captain, loudly. “Air 
ye all deef ? The commodore has hailed ye.” 

“Yes, we hear him,” replied Lopez, insolently. “What 
we want is his word that he will not lock us up, and will 
land the four of us on the nearest shore. If he will do 
that we will promise to remain here until the vessel 
anchors. If not, there will be a fight. I will set the 
yacht on fire the moment you try to capture us, or if you 
head back to Montevideo or Buenos Ayres. We will give 
you two minutes to answer.” 


Mutiny. 


77 


This was turning the tables with a vengeance. It 
hardly sounded like the cringing, obsequious Juan who 
had labored hard to please every one, and who had been 
especially detailed by the owner to assist in the cabin. 
His true character stood revealed. 

Mr. Goodrich looked perplexed and worried. He fully 
believed Lopez meant what he said, and the very idea of 
a sanguinary conflict on his yacht was intolerable. But, 
although a peaceful man by nature, the old leaven of the 
New England stock — that spirit which ignited the fire 
which blazed into a glorious war of independence — would 
not permit him to calm^ly submit to the outrageous de- 
mands of a scoundrel like the Spaniard. He called a 
council of war. 

“This is a grave matter, men,” he began, addressing the 
crew as well, “and I am uncertain what to do. If there 
is a solution of the trouble without bloodshed, we must 
adopt it, but those dastardly villains must be secured, no 
matter what happens. What do you say, captain?” 

“Say! Marline-spikes and ring-bolts! Fll go down 
an’ haul ’em out by the neck. What ! a parcel of land- 
lubbers like that hold any ship I’m captain of? Bah!” 
Grasping the pistols brought him by the sailors, he 
started for the hatch, swearing strange oaths in a voice 
choked with wrath. But Lovering quietly checked him, 
and pointed out the advisability of exercising caution. 

“They will only shoot you on sight, and that will be 
nothing gained. There is a better way than that.” Then, 
turning to Gordon, the young surgeon added: “Slip 
down to my room. Jack, and bring up a leather case from 


78 Mutiny. 

the shelf next the door. It is marked: ^Amyl. Poison.' 
Handle it carefully, as it is very dangerous.’' 

While the middy was gone, Mr. Goodrich stated that 
the young girl rescued from the bark had explained how 
she happened to recognize Lopez. 

*‘It seems he was a sailor on her father’s vessel about 
a year ago, and one night, while riding at anchor in 
Montevideo, it was necessary to call all hands to veer 
chain on account of a pampero which had blown up. 
They were short-handed, only three men being on board 
besides the captain and mate, several others having gone 
ashore for the night. In response to the summons no one 
appeared, and, on entering the forecastle, the mate found 
two English sailors weltering in their blood, stabbed to 
death by a stiletto. The third man, this very same 
Spaniard, had disappeared, taking with him a light yawl. 
That he had committed the crime was undoubted.” 

‘‘An’ how did the pore young lady git in such a fix as 
we found her ?” asked the sympathetic old skipper, deeply 
interested. 

“Ah ! that is the sorrowful part of it. The bark — I be- 
lieve it was named the Cades — struck a gale several days 
ago. She was bound for Buenos Ayres with lumber, and 
on the first night of the storm a huge wave sent her on 
her beam ends, carrying away the captain and a half- 
dozen men. The rest became so terrified that they 
launched a boat and disappeared in the darkness, leaving 
the girl to her fate. The way she happened to be clad in 
male attire was on account of her father’s wish that she 
should so dress while at sea. Her name is Manchita.” 


Mutiny, 


79 


As he concluded, the middy came running up, and 
handed Lovering a case, from which the young surgeon 
extracted a large bottle containing an amber-colored oily 
liquid. 

“This is the potent factor which, I think, will show 
them the error of their ways,” he said, calmly. 


CHAPTER XI. 


A DARING CAPTURE. 

“What do you call that, anyhow?” asked the skipper, 
eying the bottle incredulously. 

“It is nitrate of amyl, a volatile oil having the power to 
suffocate one if inhaled long enough,” replied George, 
carefully removing the glass stopper and taking a cau- 
tious sniff. “It has the odor of over-ripe bananas, and 
seems harmless enough at first. Now, what I propose to 
do is to throw this bottle down the forecastle so that it 
will break. We can then clap on the hatch covers and 
await results.” 

“Will it kill them?” asked Mr. Goodrich, dubiously. 

“No; not if they have sense enough to surrender, which 
I think they will as soon as they get a whiff of my per- 
suader.” 

It was certainly a novel idea, and seemed better than 
resorting to gunpowder. The old gentleman had every 
confidence in Lovering, and decided to let him try the 
scheme. Addressing him to that effect, he ordered the 
captain to first notify those below to come on deck or 
stand the consequences, which the hardy old mariner did 
in his characteristic way. 

“Now, do ye hear there?” he bawled, thumping the 
hatch with his pistol. “The commodore will give ye one 


A Daring Capture. 8i 

more chance to surrender, an’ if ye ain’t out of the 
fo’c’s’le before I count ten, ye’ll run athwart something 
as’ll open yer eyes.” 

A derisive shout came from below, followed by the 
sharp report of a revolver, and every one dodged in- 
stinctively. The battle had commenced in earnest. 
Nevertheless, the skipper, true to his word, began count- 
ing, but he added pungent expressions of disgust and 
warning at the same time. 

'‘One! ye apology for a seafaring man! Two! If I 
had the say. I’d give ye a dose of smoke! Three! You 
other men had better leave that dago and ” 

Bang ! bang ! The captain, in his anger, had ap- 
proached too near the opening, and as a result, his glazed 
hat tumbled to the deck with a bullet-hole in it. It was 
a narrow escape, and one the skipper, retreating to a safe 
distance, appreciated. Wiping his shining bald head 
with a huge cotton handkerchief, he sputtered with rage : 

“Bowlines ! but I believe the shark meant to shoot me. 
Commodore, we can’t stand this any longer. If you 
don’t want the mutineers to take the ship, we’d better be 
doing something.” 

The old gentleman agreed with him, and requested 
George to proceed with his experiment. The latter, first 
directing several men to stand by the hatch covers in 
readiness to haul them over at the command, crept cau- 
tiously toward the head of the ladder. Before he reached 
there, an exclamation from Mr. Goodrich caused him to 
look back. 


82 


A Daring Capture. 


“Wait a moment, Lovering/’ he cried. “Where is 
Jack? He was here a second ago.” 

The middy had slipped away unperceived. His ab- 
sence was noteworthy, at that moment especially, as he 
would hardly miss the impending proceedings without 
some good reason. That he had one was shortly made 
apparent. 

While acting as an interested spectator of Captain 
Breeze’s interview with the occupants of the forecastle, 
he suddenly bethought himself of a scheme, which, if car- 
ried out, might result in the capture of the sailors with- 
out trouble. He remembered that a narrow passage- 
way connected one-half of the forecastle with the engine- 
room. The former apartment was divided by a partition, 
one side being used by firemen and the other by deck 
hands. He also knew that a door connected the two 
places, and that it was generally locked. 

The engineer’s force invariably entered their quarters 
by way of this passage, while the sailors used the regular 
hatch. Juan Lopez and his companions were in the 
mariner’s division. 

Jack reasoned that if he could enter the firemen’s fore- 
castle and open the partition door, he could surprise the 
mutineers and force them on deck at the point of a re- 
volver. He did not wish to make known his intentions, 
for fear that the old gentleman would stop him; so, 
quietly creeping down into the engine-room, he passed 
Mr. Watts without being noticed, and walked into the 
passageway. 

He had his pistols ready, and with pulse beating a little 


A Daring Capture, 83 

more quickly than usual, gained the room without at- 
tracting attention. Once there, he listened for a moment 
at the door. All was silent on the other side, and he at 
first thought they had gone on deck to surrender. But 
suddenly the slight noise of a match being rubbed against 
the partition sounded. 

The villains were going to carry out their threat and 
fire the yacht ! 

The middy hesitated no longer. Giving the door a 
sharp wrench, he forced it open, and, with revolvers 
leveled, bounded over the threshold. 

“On deck, all of you, or Fll fire!” 

If the vessel had foundered beneath their feet, the men 
would not have been more astounded. The summons 
came like a clap of thunder, and, cowering before Gor- 
don's weapons, they involuntarily threw up their hands 
and begged him not to shoot. 

It was plainly evident he had come just in time. The 
fragments of a straw mattress scattered about the deck, 
and a half-burnt match lying near showed that one minute 
longer would have proved fatal. It was hard to believe 
that the villains, desperate though they were, would sac- 
rifice their own lives in such a manner. In all probability 
they only meant to raise a dense smoke for the purpose 
of intimidating those on deck. 

However, their plans were nipped in the bud. Jack 
was master of the situation, and in obedience to a second 
command they sullenly backed up the forecastle ladder 
and out on deck, before the startled gaze of all. Closely 


84 


A Daring Capture. 


following, came the triumphant middy, his pistols cover- 
ing the mutineers. 

“Here are your mutineers, Mr. Goodrich,’^ he said, 
coolly indicating them with a wave of his revolvers. 
“Better lock them up at once.” 

“Well, this beats navigation!” gasped Captain Breeze, 
staring from Lopez to Gordon in amazement. “How on 
’arth did ye manage it?” 

“Easy enough,” laughed Jack. “I simply flanked the 
enemy. But where are you going to stow them?” 

By this time the old gentleman and the rest had recov- 
ered sufficiently to proceed to action. While Gordon and 
the skipper kept them covered with their pistols, several 
of the crew tightly bound the quartette with stout ropes. 
Then they were conducted with scant ceremony down to 
the forecastle again, it having been decided to confine the 
four men there temporarily. 

Lopez had not uttered a word since Jack had captured 
him so cleverly. He seemed discomfited, to such a de- 
gree that he could only gnash his teeth with impotent 
rage, and cast maledictions under his breath at those 
around him. His companions were evidently badly 
frightened at their situation. One of them, a rather re- 
spectable-appearing lad, glanced appealingly at Jack, and 
was apparently on the point of addressing him, when 
Juan, noticing the action, savagely bade him hold his 
tongue. 

“Let the man speak if he wants to,^' commanded the 
middy, sternly, “and tell how ashamed he is to be found 


A Daring Capture, 


8S 


in the company of such a villainous rogue as you are/' 
Then, turning to the other, he told him to continue. 

But the fellow was evidently intimidated, and hung 
his head in silence. Mentally resolving to keep him in 
mind. Jack assisted Captain Breeze and the crew to con- 
vey them below. They were placed in bunks with their 
manacles loosened sufficiently to enable them to lie com- 
fortably. Then, leaving old Brett to keep the deck, and 
another sailor on guard, the party retired aft to talk over 
the matter. 


I 


CHAPTER XII. 


A STARTLING DISCOVERY. 

“This is not a very auspicious commencement to our 
journey/’ remarked Mr. Goodrich, with a sigh, after they 
had taken seats in the main saloon. 

“No great harm has been done as yet,” replied Jack, 
cheerfully; “and it is just as well that we found out the 
true character of this man Lopez and his mates before 
getting very far down the coast. Now we can land them 
at the nearest port, turn the rascals over to the authorities, 
and proceed on our way rejoicing.” 

“But it will make us short-handed if we cannot ship 
others in their places.” 

“I’ll venture we can secure any number of good men 
for a chance like this, no matter where we call,” affirmed 
the young surgeon ; “but, by the way, where are you go- 
ing to put in ?” 

“We will have to talk that over now,” answered the old 
gentleman. “Let me see; we must be a good distance 
south by this time, are we not, captain?” 

“Morning observations showed latitude thirty-nine de- 
grees, eighteen minutes, an’ about fifty-nine degrees 
longitude,” replied the skipper, glancing at a notebook 
taken from his pocket. 

“Which is the nearest town of any size?” 


A Startling Discovery. 87 

'‘Well, I think we are about as close to Bahia Blanca 
as any/' 

"You are right, captain," the middy chimed in. "We 
cannot be over two hundred miles from there now. If I 
remember rightly, it’s up a river on the lower Argen- 
tine coast, and forms the nucleus of a port which prom- 
ises to become important. The natives call it the Liver- 
pool of South America. I think that is the best place we 
can leave our mutineers, as it is on the way down and 
will not cause much delay." 

"All right, we will call in there," decided Mr. Good- 
rich finally. "Captain Breeze, please change your course 
accordingly." 

The skipper departed to fulfill his injunctions, leaving 
those in the cabin to talk over other matters. The ex- 
citement of the morning had driven all idea of food from 
their minds. It was now close on noon, and Sam Sorrel- 
top had been hovering around like an ebony interrogation 
point, awaiting the words to prepare breakfast. 

At last, the old gentleman, hearing a prodigious clatter- 
ing of dishes in the pantry, ordered the meal brought in. 
Marie and Manchita did not appear, the latter being still 
too overcome with grief at the loss of her father to leave 
the stateroom. Her situation was a melancholy one, and 
she had the sympathy of all on board. Mr. Goodrich 
resolved to give her a home so long as she wished to stay, 
and, as both girls were mutually taken with each other, 
there was every prospect that she would eventually make 
her home with the family. 

It had been ascertained that she did not possess rela- 


88 


A Startling Discovery, 


tions near enough to warrant her in returning, and, as 
the wrecked bark represented her fathers entire property, 
she was fortunate in having such a chance oifered her. 

After breakfast Mr. Goodrich and the young officers 
adjourned to the skipper’s room. Taking a chart, the 
latter pointed out their position. As he had previously 
intimated, they were only a comparatively short distance 
from Bahia Blanca, and one day’s steaming would carry 
them there. 

“I will breathe more freely when once rid of those 
scoundrels,” said the commodore, looking slightly care- 
worn. “The very idea of having such a cruel, remorse- 
less wretch as that man Lopez must be on the same vessel 
as myself and daughter renders me uneasy.” 

“Well, there is one thing certain,” spoke up Lovering, 
grimly ; “he will be severely punished for mutiny, even if 
they cannot prove him guilty of the other charge.” 

“Will not Manchita be retained as a witness in that 
case?” suddenly asked Jack, glancing up from the chart. 

“No; I hardly think so,” replied the old gentleman. 
“They will probably take her deposition and let it go at 
that.” 

“This here law an’ me don’t agree,” growled Captain 
Breeze, from the door, where he had gone to take a 
“squint” at the weather. “When a man’s guilty like them 
sharks, I b’lieve in the stringing of them to the yardarm. 
It only costs the wear an’ tear of rope an’ the job’s done. 
You take it on shore; they’ll palaver an’ palaver for 
months, an’ like as not set him adrift because some smart 


A Startling Discovery. 89 

lawyer chap has found a flaw in the ’dictment or whatso- 
ever they call it.” 

The rest indulged in a quiet laugh at the skipper’s 
strong views on the subject, and then separated until 
later. Mr. Goodrich retired to his room to look over 
some papers, while Gordon concluded to take a peep at 
the prisoners. 

Old Brett still had charge of the bridge. He was a 
sea-faring man of long experience, and only the lack of 
education prevented him from occupying a higher posi- 
tion than boatswain. Navigation is a study in itself 
which men, otherwise illiterate, can master if they strive 
hard enough. But Ben thought he could shine better 
where nature and the school of adversity had placed him. 
When spoken to on the subject, he invariably answered 
that he would rather be a good seaman than a poor mate 
— a resolution worthy of imitation. 

The storm had long since departed for other latitudes, 
leaving a fair sky and an only slightly turbulent sea. The 
Marie was plowing her way steadily toward the south- 
west under the combined influence of the engines and a 
couple of fore-and-aft sails, which had been set an hour 
or so previous. At her present speed the entrance to the 
river leading up to their destination ought to be sighted 
by daylight, and the port, some twenty odd miles up, 
reached two hours later. 

As Jack and the young surgeon walked forward, they 
speculated on the probable outcome of the expedition, and 
also talked over the incidents of the past few days. From 
their appearance of genial satisfaction, it was evident they 


90 A Startling Discovery. 

did not regret the several adventures which had befallen 
them. 

Pausing at the hatchway for a moment, they listened, 
and hearing nothing below, descended. The middy was 
in advance. As he reached the bottom of the ladder he 
saw something which caused him to step back and signal 
to Lovering to stop. 

Standing over in the corner of the apartment was the 
Spaniard talking earnestly to the sailor who had been de- 
tailed as guard. Lopez was evidently so engrosssed in 
the conversation that he had not heard the noise made by 
the young officers as they came down. The rope with 
which he was bound had apparently been loosened by 
some one, as he was able to walk, and gesticulate slightly 
with one arm. 

The sailor seemed deeply interested, and suddenly they 
heard him utter an exclamation of surprise which Lopez 
checked with a warning glance. The two listeners did 
not wait for further developments, but walked into the 
forecastle. 

“Is this the way you stand guard over prisoners placed 
in your charge?” sternly demanded the middy. 

At their unexpected entrance the sailor had quickly 
started back from the Spaniard's side, but seeing that the 
young officers were evidently suspicious, he checked him- 
self, and turning to Lopez, exclaimed : 

“Ah ! here he is now. Ask him yourself.” 

He then added hastily, now addressing Jack: 

“This man was a wanting to speak to you, sir, and 1 
was just telling of him to wait a bit when you come in.” 


A Startling Discovery. 91 

The pretense was so transparent that Gordon simply 
looked at him with contempt and replied, coldly : 

“Very well; you can go on deck and tell Captain 
Breeze that I have taken charge of these men. Also ask 
him to please step down here at once.” 

The man obeyed, but with such a sullen air that Jack 
was attempted to address him more sharply. However, 
seeing that it would not help matters at present, he 
allowed him to depart. Lopez attempted to speak, but 
he was told to keep quiet, and the young officers conversed 
together in low tones until the skipper arrived. 

He was highly indignant when told of the discovery, 
and threatened to lock the man up with the prisoners. 
Another guard was selected, this time with more care, and 
they returned to the deck. 

That night Breeze and the middy visited the forecastle 
every half hour during their respective watches, but noth- 
ing occurred to indicate further trouble. Just after day- 
break land was sighted dead ahead. As they approached 
nearer, certain marks showing the entrance to the river 
became apparent, and, under the guidance of a local pilot, 
picked up at the bar, the Marie was shortly brought to an 
anchor off the thriving port of Bahia Blanca. 

The town proper at that time was a few miles inland, 
only the shipping wharves and landing docks being on the 
river’s bank. There was but little shipping in port; two 
or three barks, a coastwise steamer, and one peculiarly- 
shaped craft which Jack, after a close inspection through 
a spyglass, pronounced to be a seagoing torpedo boat fly- 
ing the Argentine colors. 


92 


A Startling Discovery. 


It was resolved that Mr. Goodrich, Lovering and Gor- 
don should go on shore at once, accompanied by Captain 
Breeze and Mr. Watts, the skipper landing for the pur- 
pose of “drumming up” sailors to fill the impending va- 
cancies, and the engineer to see after repairs. 

After giving strict injunctions to Ben Brett, left in tem- 
porary command, to exercise the greatest care in guard- 
ing the prisoners, the party was rowed ashore. Leaving 
the skipper and Watts on the dock, the rest took train for 
the town. After an absence of several hours, during 
which time they had interviewed the local authorities and 
arranged matters satisfactorily, they returned to the port. 
As the train slowed up at the temporary station. Jack, 
who was standing on the car platform, suddenly uttered 
an exclamation of consternation, and pointed to the river. 
There, just faintly visible against a dark background of 
trees, was their yacht, steaming out to sea ! 


CHAPTER XIIL 


ON BOARD THE YACHT. 

Startling changes had taken place on board the Marie 
during the absence of her owner and the young officers. 
If they had known the result of their trip ashore, it would 
not have been taken, of a verity. The power of gold is 
mighty, and the influence over evil-disposed minds, of 
that one word, cannot be measured. 

Juan Lopez was a shrewd man — shrewd in crime and 
cunning in his wicked works. He knew that his situation 
was desperate, and that a long term in prison awaited his 
conviction. Trammeled like a wild beast in the little fore- 
castle of the yacht, he chafed with impotent rage and 
cudgled his brain for schemes to escape. 

He would have hesitated at nothing — not even the tak- 
ing of human life — to effect that end, but with his arms 
bound and a stalwart sentry pacing the deck two feet 
away, the chance was dubious. Still he had one little ray 
of hope which caused his face to partially lose its expres- 
sion of baffled fury. He knew that one on board had 
hearkened to his lavish promises, and if he could only be 
won over, the rest would be easy. Several loaded pistol’s 
smuggled down ; a release from the rope lashing, and 

The murderous glare which filled his eyes finished the 
sentence I 


94 


On Board the Yacht. 


Ben Brett, left in command, felt his responsibility 
keenly. He fully realized the dangerous character of the 
Spaniard, and placed his most trustworthy man over him. 
This happened to be a young sailor named Dawson, who 
also filled the position of chief quartermaster on board, 
having charge of the pilot house and the cleaning thereof. 

He was stationed with strict orders to remain in the 
forecastle at all hazards, and fully meant to carry out his 
commands, but while walking up and down the narrow 
confines of his post, he suddenly remembered having for- 
gotten to polish the binnacle cover ; a trivial matter, truly, 
but unpardonable in the eyes of that strict disciplinarian, 
Captain Breeze. 

Dawson courted a reputation for attention to duty, and 
therefore did not care to relegate the work to another 
man. If he could only ask some one to take his place 
temporarily, he could finish the polishing and return be- 
fore Brett, engaged at something in the commodore's 
room, would notice his absence. 

As if in answer to his wishes, one of the deck hands 
came down the ladder. Here was an opportunity. Call- 
ing him to one side, Dawson hurriedly requested him to 
remain in his place a few minutes, and, on meeting with 
a ready response, turned over the loaded revolver carried 
by the sentries, and disappeared on deck. 

The working of fate is inscrutable. A singular chance 
had placed in Lopez’s hands the weapon he desired. The 
new guard was the sailor whom Jack had discovered com- 
municating with the Spaniard. He had not been placed 


On Board the Yacht. 


95 

in durance vile simply because the yacht was shorthanded, 
owing to the mutiny, and every man counted. 

The skipper had lectured him severely, and threatened 
dire punishments only known to ancient mariners, if he 
disobeyed again. The man’s apparent humility and 
promises of future obedience mollified the old salt, and he 
restored him to duty. 

Lopez’s swarthy face grew bright with hope when he 
saw the change. After Dawson had departed, he eagerly 
beckoned Morgan, the new man, over to him, and such 
was the power of his persuasion that in half a minute he 
stood free from the lashing. It did not take long to lib- 
erate the others. Then he hurriedly explained his plans. 
He knew who had gone ashore, and learned from the ex- 
sentry where the balance of the crew were. 

“Only seven men on board beside ourselves, eh ? And 
we number five. Not such great odds after all, when we 
have these to help us.” 

He fondled the revolver significantly while speaking, 
and then extricated a keen-bladed knife from some mys- 
terious hiding-place in his clothes. 

At the sight of the murderous weapon Morgan involun- 
tarily drew back and muttered hoarsely : 

“No — no! Can’t we seize the yacht without blood- 
shed?” 

Lopez eyed him contemptuously for a moment, then re- 
plied, dryly: 

“Of course we can. There won’t be a hair of their 
heads harmed. Oh no I certainly not.” 


96 


On Board the Yacht. 


He ended with a harsh little laugh not pleasant to hear, 
and then continued his explanation : 

“You four men understand me and what I have told 
you. If we succeed in this you will get what I promised. 
Now to work. Morgan, you slip around through the fire- 
men’s passageway and get what weapons you can from 
the skipper’s room. While you are gone we will look 
after Dawson. It will be an easy matter to secure him. 
I think I hear some one coming now. Quick ! out of the 
way.” 

Morgan stepped through the door into the firemen’s 
forecastle and hurried aft. The Spaniard took the rope 
which had been used in binding him, and crawling under 
the companion ladder, placed it so the approaching sailor 
would step in the coils. In obedience to a whispered or- 
der, the other mutineers laid down in their usual places. 

Down the steps came Dawson, whistling a rollicking 
air. He felt light-hearted and contented with the world, 
and was just on the point of greeting Morgan with a 
cheery laugh when his feet touched the trap — a sudden 
jerk and both legs slipped through the ladder, bringing 
him headlong on the hard pine deck. One single groan, 
and then silence. 

“He is settled, for a time, at least,” exclaimed Lopez, 
stooping over the inanimate body. “Here, help me bind 
and gag him. Hurry up, now; we haven’t any time to 
lose.” 

It did not take the four very long to secure Dawson. 
He was entirely helpless, and they soon had him stowed 
away in one of the bunks. By that time Morgan re- 


On Board the Yacht. 


97 


turned, bringing two revolvers and a shotgun obtained in 
the captain’s room. He reported that Brett was still aft, 
but had almost finished his work. 

“We will trap him next,” said Juan; “and I think the 
best plan is to get him down here by some excuse.” 

“Suppose I go and tell him that Dawson wants to see 
him at once,” suggested the young sailor. 

“A good idea,” exclaimed the Spaniard. “You are 
proving a great help, my lad, and I will remember you.” 

While he was gone on his new mission, they arranged 
the rope as before, and awaited the next victim. One of 
the mutineers, a man named Bob, was selected to stand in 
readiness to strike Brett with the butt of the shotgun in 
case the trap failed to work. This precaution was 
deemed necessary as old Ben constituted the main prize. 
With him secured, the vessel was almost theirs. 

Presently footsteps were heard on deck, approaching 
the hatch. They halted near the companionway and a 
voice called out : 

“Hello, down there. What d’ye want, Dawson ?” came 
suddenly from Brett. 

“Just come here a moment,” replied Bob at a signal 
from the Spaniard. He spoke in muffled tones, and 
blurred the words as much as possible. 

Suspecting nothing, Ben slowly descended the stairs 
and walked into the trap. This time it did not work so 
successfully. The rope only caught on his ankle, causing 
him to stumble slightly. Before he could recover, how- 
ever, Bob brought his gun down with a sharp blow on the 
old man’s h^d, felling him like a log. In less time than 


98 


On Board the Yacht. 


it takes to describe it, he was trussed securely and 
dragged to the forward end. 

“Now, whom have we left?” mused Lopez, counting on 
his fingers. “Let me see; there’s the assistant engineer 
and two firemen working in the engine room, and the cook 
and Sam Sorreltop aft in the cabin. I think the best 
thing to do is for all hands to see after the engine force 
first. The two negroes don’t amount to much. We will 
go through the passageway, and when we reach the fire- 
room, cover all three with our guns and force them to 
surrender. Don’t shoot if you can help it, as I want to 
use them.” 

Followed by the rest, Lopez cautiously made his way to 
the fireroom door. They could hear the sounds of ham- 
mering inside and knew that all were at work. After 
seeing everything in readiness, the Spaniard stepped 
boldly through the portal, and pointing his revolver at the 
assistant engineer, cried : 

“Throw up your hands, or I’ll shoot!” 


CHAPTER XIV. 


FURTHER INCIDENTS. 

At the ‘command, given in a determined voice, Adams, 
the assistant engineer, looked up quickly from the crank 
shaft on which he had been working. He held a ham- 
mer in his right hand, and at the unexpected sight, 
dropped it with a clang on the iron plates. 

“Wha — wha — t’s this?’' exclaimed he, in a fright, in- 
stinctively shrinking away from the revolvers. 

“Throw up your hands, I tell you,” repeated Lopez, im- 
patiently. 

The order was obeyed immediately. Elevating his 
arms to a painful degree, the terrified man stood trem- 
bling in every limb. Just behind him was one of the fire- 
men who, when he saw the five men, also made signs of 
surrender, at the same time exclaiming excitedly: 

“Gosh ! the mutineers !” 

The other stoker was not visible at first, but presently, 
attracted by the sound of loud talking, his face appeared 
at the door leading into the fireroom. One glance was 
enough, and before they could stop him, he vanished 
again. 

“After him !” cried Juan, hurriedly. “Quick ! catch the 
fool before he gets on deck. Here, Bob, you stay and 
guard the others. Shoot them down if they make a 
move.” L. of C. 


100 


Further Incidents. 


Two of the men bounded through the door, while the 
Spaniard, accompanied by the third, rapidly scaled the 
ladder leading above. They reached the deck too late. 
The frightened fireman had been too quick for them, and, 
as they passed out of the hatch, they saw him standing on 
the rail, waving his hands and calling for help. 

With a loud imprecation, Lopez dashed forward, but 
just as he made a grasp for the man’s leg, the fellow 
sprang over the side. Five seconds later he reappeared, 
and struck out lustily for a bark lying near by. 

The mutineers stood aghast for a moment. If he 
reached the vessel and gave the alarm, their plans would 
be frustrated beyond a doubt. Secrecy and an hour’s hard 
work was necessary to get the yacht under way. Too 
much time had been wasted already, and Captain Breeze 
might return at any moment. A wholesome fear of that 
doughty tar made them all the more anxious to escape be- 
fore such a catastrophe could take place. 

Suddenly Lopez pointed alongside to where a light skiff 
was attached to the gangway ladder. It had been lowered 
to clean the yacht’s side, and as his eyes fell upon it, a 
way of capturing the fugitive flashed over him. Calling 
to one man to follow him, he jumped into the boat, and 
cutting the painter with his knife, commenced pulling 
after the swimmer with all his power. The fellow had a 
good start, and fear gave strength to his arms, but the 
light boat, propelled by four lusty oars, soon overtook 
him. 

By this time the attention of the bark’s crew had been 
attracted, and several figures appeared over the rail. The 


Further Incidents. 


lOI 


boat was about midway between the two vessels when it 
overtook the fireman, and within hailing distance of both. 
Just as Lopez reached over to grasp him, the man par- 
tially raised himself out of the water and shouted : 

“Help ! help ! Mutiny ! Save ’’ 

He did not finish the appeal. With a quick movement 
the Spaniard shoved his head under the water, effectually 
choking him. Then, with the aid of the other man, he 
was dragged into the skiff and tumbled on the bottom. 

“If you make another sound. I’ll kill you !” hissed Juan, 
pressing the point of a knife against his throat. Then, 
turning to his companion, he ordered him to row back to 
the Marie as fast as possible. 

Before they had fairly started a hail came from the 
bark, asking the cause of the trouble, and the oarsman, 
who faced aft, could see that preparations were being 
made to lower a boat. Something must be done to allay 
suspicion. Lopez was equal to the emergency. 

“The man is crazy,” he replied, loudly. “Too much 
rum, that’s all. He got away from the forecastle and 
jumped overboard before we could stop him.” 

“Want any help?” 

“No; we can handle him.” 

Those on board the vessel idly watched the skiff for a 
while, and then returned to their work, apparently satis- 
fied. Such occurrences are not uncommon, and the an- 
swer seemed plausible enough. 

Laughing in their sleeve at the success of their strata- 
gem, the mutineers soon reached the yacht with their cap- 
tive, and shoved him on board. He did not make any 


Further Incidents. 


loa 

further attempt at resistance, but quietly obeyed orders, 
seemingly content with the assurance given him by Lopez 
that he would not be illtreated. 

In the meantime the two men left on deck had been 
having a little experience of their own. When the Span- 
iard pulled away in chase of the fugitive, they started 
back for the engineroom intending to assist Bob in stand- 
ing guard, but happening to glance aft, one of them saw 
Sam Sorreltop coming up the companionway to ascertain 
the cause of the commotion. 

In the excitement of the moment the two girls, Sam 
and the cook had been forgotten. If they heard of the 
mutineers’ release, an alarm would undoubtedly be given 
from that quarter. It was high time they were secured 
as well. 

The red-headed negro lad stopped suddenly on seeing 
them, and, with an exclamation of surprise, made a dash 
for the steps leading below. They heard him stumble 
in his haste, and then a heavy thud proclaimed that he 
had reached the bottom, probably more frightened than 
hurt. Both men ran nimbly toward the hatch, and were 
on the point of descending, when Lopez was observed re- 
turning. One remained to watch the companionway, 
while the other hastened forward to meet the Spaniard. 

The three mutineers with their captive immediately en- 
tered the engineroom. Bob was found sitting on a re- 
pair bench keeping a wary eye on the engineer and the 
other fireman. They had not stirred from their former 
position, with the exception of their hands, which had 
dropped from sheer exhaustion. 


Further Incidents. 


103: 

'‘Now look here!” exclaimed Juan, striding up to 
Adams and menacing him with a revolver. “We are 
going to take this yacht out of Bahia Blanca at once, and 
I want you to have that engine ready to turn over in five 
minutes. If you refuse. I’ll blow your brains out. Obey, 
and no harm will come to you, and possibly some good — 
but we will talk about that afterward. What do you 
say?” 

“Will you set me ashore as soon as you can spare me?” 
Adams asked, hurriedly. 

“Yes; I will promise you that, if you will get up steam 
as soon as possible. How long will it take you ?” 

“With the help of two men I can finish these repairs 
and get under way in half an hour.” 

“No! no! thirty minutes will ruin us. Can’t you let 
the repairs go and spread fires at once?” 

The expression on the Spaniard’s face was so threat- 
ening that Adams, who had said that simply to gain time, 
hurriedly replied that he would try his best to put the ma- 
chinery together immediately. He also advised Lopez to 
place as many men as he could spare in the fireroom with- 
out delay. 

“I’ll do that,” replied the latter, then turning to Bob, he 
ordered him to take the fireman who had tried to escape 
and the one left in the engineroom and start fires at once. 
Detailing another man to watch the engineer and also as- 
sist him, Lopez told Morgan to follow him on deck. They 
walked aft to where the remaining mutineer was still 
watching the hatch. 

“How is it down there?” asked Juan. 


104 


Further Incidents. 


saw the nigger pop his head out a moment ago, but 
he ran when he caught sight of me.” 

''Come along ; we will soon fix them.” 

Down the steps the trio went, thinking they had an 
easy task before them. But they reckoned without the 
knowledge that two negroes and a large dog form a com- 
bination not to be despised. 

The cook was an African who had been in Mr. Good- 
rich’s service at home, and he was devoted to both his 
master and Marie. Rather peculiar and retiring in dis- 
position, yet he could display some sagacity and strength 
of character when an emergency called. He would have 
willingly laid down his life for his beloved mistress, so, 
when Sam, with eyes protruding and face blanched almost 
white, ran into the galley adjoining the pantry and told 
him what was occurring on deck, he first threw up his 
hands and then reached for a cook’s invariable weapon — 
a kettle of hot water. 

Bidding the negro lad call both Marie and Manchita 
into the galley, he secured a sharp carving knife and his 
favorite razor, and thus prepared for defense, awaited the 
enemy. The two girls, not dreaming of danger, entered 
the little apartment, followed by the dog. Shag, and see- 
ing the cook’s attitude, hurriedly asked the reason. 

“It’s nothing at all, honey,” replied the sable guardian, 
trying to appear cheerful. “On’y a leetle scrap on deck, 
which might brung trouble. Jes’ you uns git in dar back 
o’ the stove, an’ Sam an’ me will pertect yer.” 

“But what is the matter, William?” demanded Marie, 


Further Incidents. 


los 

her face paling with apprehension. “Tell us at once. I 
know it is more serious than you acknowledge.” 

But the faithful negro gently pushed them back out of 
harm’s way and stepped to the door. Sam picked up an 
ax lying near by, and stood ready to strike. 

Suddenly Shag, who had been looking from one to the 
other with an intelligent glance, growled fiercely, and 
showing his fangs, made a bound for the door. 


CHAPTER XV. 


DOWN THE RIVER. 

Juan Lopez and his two companions halted at the bot- 
tom of the steps when they saw the saloon was empty. 
Listening for a moment, they heard nothing save a gentle 
murmur of the tide against the iron hull, or the distant 
scrape of a shovel in the fireroom. The silence was 
ominous. 

“I wonder where those niggers have hidden them- 
selves?^^ whispered the leader, peering into an adjacent 
stateroom. 

Finding nothing there, he bade them follow him, and 
walked toward the partition dividing the dining saloon 
and main cabin. 

Grasping the heavy curtains, he jerked them roughly 
aside and then started back in alarm. A black object shot 
forward and before he could escape. Shag’s glistening 
teeth were fastened in his throat. The attack came so un- 
expectedly that Lopez was borne to the deck, where he lay 
struggling with the powerful dog until one of the men, 
grasping Shag by the shoulders, pulled him away. 

“The brute !” gasped the Spaniard, tenderly feeling his 
neck, where a line of red marks showed the effect of the 
animal’s incisors. “Shoot him, some one. Don’t let the 
cur escape !” 


Down the River. 


107 


But with a sagacity worthy of human intelligence, the 
brave defender darted into the galley, where he crouched 
at Sam’s feet, growling ferociously. 

“Here, you niggers ; come out of that room ; I want to 
speak to you,” Juan called out, advancing to the door. 
“If you submit quietly, no harm will happen you.” 

Not receiving an answer, the three men walked boldly 
up and were just in the act of leveling their revolvers 
when a panful of boiling water came through the open- 
ing, striking them full in the face. Before they had time 
to fire in return, another shower struck them, and, half 
blinded by the scalding liquid, they turned and fled to the 
deck, howling with agony. 

Down below, William and Sam danced around the gal- 
ley in high glee, overjoyed at their success. Then, after 
the cook’s exuberance had slightly abated, he filled every 
vessel in his collection with either water or fat. 

“Won’er if it’s hot ’nuff for them muttoneers?” 
chuckled Sam, slapping his thigh. But happening to no- 
tice the expression of terrified apprehension on the faces 
of the two girls, he restrained his mirth, and with uncouth 
gallantry told them to not be alarmed. 

3 Both Marie and Manchita viewed the situation with in- 
creasing terror. The latter knew from past experience 
what an unscrupulous villain the Spaniard was, and she 
had every reason to fear his vengeance, v. She was a girl 
whose nature had been strengthened, and her self-reli- 
ance expanded by long voyages with her father, but the 
fact of being imprisoned on board a vessel together with 
half-a-dozen lawless men, daunted even her courage. 


io8 


Down the River, 


She was still capable of advising, however, and under 
her direction they prepared a method of defense which 
promised to give Lopez a warm reception in case he medi- 
tated another attack. 

On reaching the deck after their hasty retreat, the three 
men immediately sought out a bucket of water to cool 
their burning faces. Hot as the scalds were, they seemed 
as ice compared with the heat of their tempers. The trio 
was literally wild with rage, and if Sam and the cook 
had been within easy reach just then, their lives would 
have undoubtedly paid the penalty. 

As it was, one of the men wanted to return to the cabin 
and open a fusillade on the galley partition, but Lopez 
restrained him, remarking with a diabolical grin : 

*‘Just wait until we get to sea; we’ll have a revenge on 
them black monkeys which will satisfy even you.” 

After deliberating a moment, the Spaniard told one of 
his men to descend to the saloon and keep watch on the 
pantry door from the foot of the stairs. 

*Tf any one appears, shoot to kill,” he added; “and 
whatever you do, don’t let them give an alarm from the 
dead lights. Now, Morgan, come with me. Steam ought 
to be up by this time.” 

On reaching the engineroom they found Adams just 
completing the repairs. In reply to a question he told 
Lopez that he would be ready to start in five minutes. 
The steam gauge registered one hundred and twenty 
pounds, a fact the Spaniard noticed with satisfaction. 

“Good enough,” he exclaimed, rubbing his hands. 
“We’ll be clear of this river in a couple of hours, and then, 


Down tlie River. 


109 


ho! for freedom. Morgan, go forward with a hammer 
and stand ready to slip the anchor chain. I’ll take a man 
out of the fireroom for the wheel. I think I had better 
put on one of the skipper’s uniforms in case we are 
watched from other vessels.” 

Suiting the action to the word, he went on deck, and 
donning a cap and coat belonging to the captain, mounted 
the bridge. A few minutes later, Adams called up the 
speaking tube that everything was in working order. 
Juan thereupon signaled him with the indicator to go 
ahead slowly, and, on seeing the yacht move slightly, 
called out to the young sailor forward to let go the cable. 
With a harsh rattle the detached end of the anchor chain 
passed through the hawsehole and splashed into the river. 

As the tide was coming in, the vessel’s bow pointed 
down stream, so all that remained to be done was to ring 
up full speed and keep within the buoys. For the infor- 
mation of inland readers who are not conversant with 
navigation, it is well to state that large iron cylinders are 
placed on the boundary lines of deep water in all fre- 
quented rivers to mark the channel. Therefore, in this 
case the Spaniard had only to steer the yacht between 
them to insure a safe passage. 

After getting under way, Lopez took a survey of sur- 
rounding objects with the glasses. He knew that such a 
sudden departure would attract some attention, but he was 
hardly prepared for the interest taken in his movements 
by vessels anchored near by. He felt rather uneasy on 
seeing the crew of a steamer which he had to pass, point 
toward him and then on shore. Looking in that direc- 


no 


Down tlie River. 


tion, he noticed a rapidly-increasing crowd on the dock. 
Standing on one of the stringpieces was a man frantically 
waving his arms. Every few minutes he would make a 
trumpet of his hands and apparently hail the yacht. The 
distance proved too great to catch the words, but Lopez 
recognized the figure. 

It was Captain Breeze! 

The sight of the familiar form converted the Spaniard 
into a veritable mad man. Beckoning wildly to Morgan, 
he fiercely ordered him to tell the engineer that if more 
revolutions were not obtained immediately, he would 
throw him into his own fires. Then striding up and down 
the narrow bridge, he shook his clinched fist in the skip- 
per’s direction, and muttered maledictions in one unceas- 
ing stream. 

Presently a thick volume of black smoke commenced 
coming from the funnel, and a strong quivering of the 
hull showed that his threat had taken effect. The Marie 
had never been driven so hard before. The throb of the 
powerful engines could be heard on the bridge, and as 
Lopez listened, it formed a rhythm to him, the burden of 
which was freedom. 

There are several turns in the river below Bahia 
Blanca, so it was not long before the anchorage had disap- 
peared behind a heavily-wooded bank. The last view 
Juan obtained did not reveal whether pursuit was immi- 
nent or not, but he knew a vessel would be started in chase 
as soon as possible. His only hope for escape rested in 
the speed of the yacht. If the engine broke down, or 


Down tlie River. i : i 

some misadventure happened to retard them, capture was 
certain. 

With these not very pleasant thoughts for companions, 
the mutineer paced back and forth on the gratings, keep- 
ing a watchful eye for any sign of pursuit. It was fortu- 
nate for him that a recent freshet had swollen the stream, 
as several times, unskillful handling carried the vessel 
outside the buoys. However, nothing occurred to delay 
their course, and several hours after leaving the city the 
Marie steamed into the broad bosom of the Atlantic. 

A moderate breeze was blowing outside, just enough to 
ripple the water into miniature white-capped waves, but it 
had no effect other than to tumble them about a little. 
After getting well clear of the land, Lopez changed the 
course due south, and descending from the bridge, or- 
dered the helmsman to keep her heading in that direction 
until further notice. Then passing aft, he looked through 
a hatch into the engineroom. Adams was busily engaged 
oiling the machinery, closely watched by the man who 
had been detailed for that purpose. From the direction 
of the fireroom came a rattling of iron shovels and an oc- 
casional bang of a furnace door. All was satisfactory in 
that department. 

Going farther aft, the Spaniard halted at the cabin 
stairs and hailed the saloon. He was immediately an- 
swered with a request to come below. On reaching the 
bottom, he found the guard comfortably seated in an easy 
chair, with his revolver pointing toward the galley. 

^‘Nothing has happened since you left, cap,'^ reported 
the man, with a grin. “Except the sight of a bit of red 


II2 


Down the River. 


wool now and again. They know I’m here and ready for 
business.” 

Bidding him keep a close watch until later, the Span- 
iard returned to the deck. As he emerged from the com- 
panionway he glanced toward the river’s mouth, and there 
saw something which caused his face to blanch with 
despair. 


CHAPTER XVL 


THE PURSUIT. 

Leaving the Spaniard engaged in his nefarious work on 
board the yacht, we will return to Mr. Goodrich and his 
party. 

When Jack called their attention to his unexpected dis- 
covery, and pointed down the river to where the Marie 
could be seen rapidly disappearing from view, a horror 
fell upon the three which rendered them speechless for 
the moment. 

They glanced from one to the other, each afraid to 
utter his thoughts until at last the old gentleman, his face 
white with apprehension, groaned: 

“What — what can this mean ? What has happened 

“I don’t know,” slowly answered the middy, avoiding 
Mr. Goodrich’s eye ; “but it looks as if something has oc- 
curred since we left. Do not be alarmed, sir. If the mu- 
tineers have broken loose and captured the yacht, their 
triumph will be short lived, as there are plenty of vessels 
in port to pursue them.” 

“Let us find Captain Breeze ; we can obtain an explana- 
tion from him,” suggested George. 

“Yes; he will know all,” replied the afflicted father, 
rapidly leaving the car and hurrying toward the wharf, 
followed by the others. ''My dear friends, if anything 


The Pursuit. 


114 

has befallen Marie it will break my heart — it will break 
my heart.” 

Gordon and the young surgeon could find no word t . 
comfort him. They feared the worst, as both knew there 
could be no other reason for the vessel sailing save an out- 
break among the prisoners on board. 

It had been a fatal mistake on the part of all in not 
sending them ashore immediately after arrival in port. 
Jack regretted his short-sightedness in not advising the 
owner to that effect, but it was too late for complaints 
now ; only prompt action would redeem the error. 

The station platform was only a short distance from the 
water front, so, after walking a few steps, the party 
turned the corner of a large freight shed and emerged on 
the docks. The first thing that attracted their attention 
was a crowd of men at the head of the wharf. They were 
evidently excited about something, and as our party came 
into view, a man detached himself from the group and 
ran toward them. 

They soon recognized Captain Breeze. He was bare 
headed and was out of breath, but on reaching them he 
managed to gasp : 

“The yacht, commodore! Those villains have stolen 
her and ran off with all on board !” 

“Oh, Breeze I what will we do? Advise me, some one,” 
exclaimed Mr. Goodrich, wringing his hands in over- 
whelming distress. “I will give my fortune to the one 
who rescues my daughter from the hands of that mur- 
derer.” 

On reaching the wharf. Jack had cast his eye over the 


Tlie Pursuit. 


115 

vessels in harbor. They all looked too clumsy and slow 
to catch the speedy yacht, and he was on the point of 
giving up the idea, when he saw the Argentine torpedo 
boat noticed that morning. She was partially hidden by- 
hind an American schooner, and it was only the glint of 
the sun on her brass funnel which caused him to recognize 
her. 

Here was a chance. She must be fast, probably not 
less than twenty knots an hour, which was several more 
than the Marie. Being a governnient vessel, she was 
supposed to render assistance in such a case, and the 
middy knew that her commander would be glad of the 
chance, if only for the excitement it would bring. 

He did not keep his new idea long to himself. The 
grief of the old gentleman and his own deep anxiety 
caused him to communicate the suggestion in a few 
words. 

“Mr. Goodrich, there is the means to recover your 
daughter,’’ he said, simply, pointing toward the torpedo 
boat. “We can have her for the asking.” 

“Splice my gaff! why on ’arth didn’t I think o’ that?” 
exclaimed the skipper, wonderingly. “I could have had 
her all ready to start.” 

“Well, there isn’t any time to be wasted,” interposed 
Loverine-. “Where can we get a boat ?” 

As if in answer to his question a sailor stepped from 
the crowd which had collected around them when it be- 
came known they were from the yacht, and, touching his 
cap, said in English: 


ii6 


The Pursuit. 


“I am one of the torpedo boat's crew, sir ; and the yawl 
is moored at the end of the wharf. If you wish to go on 
board I will take you." 

His offer was speedily accepted, and in a very few 
minutes the entire party was en route. A short pull 
brought them alongside, where an officer, clad in uniform, 
met them at the gangway. On being told the purport of 
their errand, he immediately invited them on board and 
send below for the commander. During the messenger’s 
absence. Jack looked about him, deeply interested in the 
novel construction of the craft. She was a sea-going tor- 
pedo boat of the English Thorny croft type, and showed 
her speed in every line of the hull. 

Built after the peculiar shape of such vessels, with flush 
decks and curved sides, offering little resistance to the 
waves or wind, she could be easily propelled at a high 
rate of speed by her powerful engines, and seemed capable 
of great endurance at sea. The living quarters were 
scant, as most of the room was occupied by machinery 
and torpedoes, but that item figured very little in their 
present wishes. The middy saw that with such an ally 
the thieving Spaniard and his confederates would soon be 
compelled to relinquish their stolen property, and he 
awaited the coming of her commanding officer with a fast 
growing impatience. 

At last a young man, clad in the uniform of a lieu- 
tenant, emerged from the pilot house and advanced 
toward them. He was accompanied by another officer, 


The Pursuit. 


117 

and seemed slightly excited. After greeting them po- 
litely, he plunged into the subject. 

“Is it possible your yacht has been carried away in such 
an open-handed manner?” he asked, using excellent Eng- 
lish; then, not waiting for a reply, he continued: “It 
seems like a story from an old romance. But to think 
that such an outrage could be perpetrated in a civilized 
port, and in this century, is past belief. However, the 
fact remains, and it is necessary to capture the mutineers 
at all hazards. I gladly place my vessel at your dis- 
posal, sir. All I ask is time enough to telegraph the min- 
ister of marine at Buenos Ayres.” 

“Your kindness and generosity shall be repaid, sir,” re- 
plied Mr. Goodrich, gratefully. “And when you learn 
that my only daughter, as well as another young lady, is 
now on board the yacht, prisoners of a foul and brutal 
murderer, you will understand what your offer means to 
me. I care nothing for the vessel; she represents so 
much monetary value only ; but it is my motherless child. 
Pray do not delay a moment, sir, as the handling of such 
a craft by an inexperienced man like the Spaniard may 
result in disaster at any hour.” 

When the old gentleman mentioned the presence of 
Marie on board the yacht. Jack saw the chivalrous young 
officer give a start of horror. Without stopping to hear 
further explanations, he turned hastily to his companion 
and issued an order which the latter acknowledged by a 
touch of his cap, and disappeared down an adjacent hatch. 
Presently a rattle of shovels below, and the appearance of 


ii8 The Pursuit. 

smoke from the funnel, indicated active preparations for 
getting under way. 

Nothing had been seen of Mr. Watts, the engineer, on 
shore, and it was probable he had gone out to the railroad 
shops after spare tools. It would take too long to send 
after him, so they decided to leave a note at the captain 
of the port’s office. 

Captain Breeze had confined his efforts since coming 
on board to an open-mouthed survey of the torpedo boat. 
He acted like some amphibious animal out of his element, 
and viewed the compact craft with an unfriendly eye. 
Those standing near could hear him growling in an un- 
dertone, but the expressions used were utterly unintel- 
ligible, consisting mainly of nautical terms more forcible 
than elegant. 

“Gentlemen, if you will step below and accept the poor 
hospitality of my cabin, I will notify you when we are 
ready to sail,” said the commander, in friendly tones, 
pointing toward a small companionway near the stern. 

The invitation was accepted by all save Jack, who had 
taken a liking to their new acquaintance and wished to re- 
main on deck with him. After sending a message on 
shore, the officer gave his undivided attention to the duties 
incidental to getting up anchor, and soon had the pon- 
derous piece of iron clear of the river bottom. By this 
time the engineer reported steam enough for working the 
engines, and before many minutes, the entire party, as- 
sembled on the after deck, noted with extreme satisfaction 
the commencement of the chase. It had been noised 
about the harbor that the torpedo boat was bound in pur- 


The Pursuit 


119 

suit of the mutineers, so when she commenced to move 
down the river, the whistle of every steamer in port bade 
her a boisterous hon voyage^ and the waving of handker- 
chiefs and prolonged cheers carried a promise of success 
to the hearts of all. 


CHAPTER XVII. 


THE CHASE. 

“Has any one thought of what we shall do on sighting 
the Marief” asked Lovering, suggestively. “Remember, 
she has two ladies on board, and any violence offered the 
yacht will endanger them.” 

His question brought out a new phase of the matter. 
Preparations for following the fugitives had been of para- 
mount interest until now, and no heed had been given to 
subsequent proceedings. It was high time a plan was 
formed to capture the mutineers, without running the risk 
of injuring Marie and Manchita. To do this required 
tact and cunning, as the desperate nature of the Spaniard 
rendered a display of force almost useless. 

The new dilemma was discussed in all its bearings 
while the party descended the river. Captain Breeze be- 
wailed the necessity of treating with the villains, except 
through the agency of a repeating rifle, and offered as his 
opinion that Juan would not surrender without a terrible 
struggle. 

This was agreed to by Lovering, who said : 

“This man Lopez has nothing to gain by giving up. 
He knows that a trial on shore for his many misdeeds can 
result in nothing less than a long term in prison, if not 
death. For that reason he is very liable to resort to any- 
thing.” 


The Chase. 


I2I 


“Much as I dislike to show mercy to such a scoundrel/’ 
put in Jack, quietly, “yet I really think the best plan will 
be to assure him, if we get near enough, that freedom will 
be granted to all concerned, if they surrender the yacht 
and her passengers. What say you, Mr. Goodrich?” 

The old gentleman gave him a grateful glance, but his 
face became very grave as he replied : 

“If I listen to the instincts of a parent, I would do as 
my young friend here suggests, but duty compels me to 
devote every effort to capture the mutineers. My dear 
child and Manchita must take their chances in the coming 
struggle. We will try what can be done to persuade him 
to surrender peaceably, but I am doubtful of a favorable 
result.” 

“Really, sir, I think you would be justified in allow- 
ing them to go free to secure your daughter’s and Man- 
chita’s safety,” warmly replied Gordon, furtively appeal- 
ing to George for assistance in persuading the old 
gentleman. 

“No ; I must not turn such a dangerous man loose on 
the world again. There is a certain duty one owes his 
fellow men, and I would not be doing that duty if I failed 
to secure this human wolf.” 

“Hear! hear! hear!” applauded the skipper, gruffly. 
^'Booty’s dooty, as the commodore says ; but I really be- 
lieve I’d ruther see them men go free than have even a 
hair of them girls’ heads injured.” 

“Your sentiment does you credit, captain,” chimed in 
Lovering, clapping the old sailor on the back. “It shows 
that the salt has not pickled that big heart of yours.” 


122 


The Chase. 


Then, turning to Mr. Goodrich, he continued: ‘T am 
afraid you will have to give in, sir. I must confess that I 
agree with Jack and the skipper. You also owe a duty to 
the girls, and that should be paramount. When we catch 
up with the yacht, as we must in a short time, I think it 
will be best to hoist a flag of truce, showing that we wish 
to speak with Lopez. Then, if he refuses to stop, we can 
easily run alongside, with our superior speed, and speak 
him, anyway.” 

“What kind of weapons has this here craft?” asked 
Captain Breeze, thoughtfully. 

“I think she carries a Nordenfeldt machine gun, but it 
is not mounted,” returned the middy; “but why do you 
ask?” 

“Well, that Lopez might take it into his head to load 
the Marie's salutin’ gun with pieces of iron an’ fire on 
us.” 

“That is so,” interrupted the old gentleman in a startled 
voice ; “I neyer thought of that.” 

“We must provide for such an emergency,” said Jack, 
rising to his feet. “I am going to talk with the com- 
mander, and ask him to make as much of a show of force 
as possible. He can mount his machine guns in less than 
an hour. I think they work on tripods which are shipped 
in the deck, and if he has all the parts, it will be an easy 
task.” 

“I think I will go with you, Jack,” spoke up Lovering, 
following the middy, “and take a look around. We will 
soon be out of the river at this rate of speed, and then the 
fun will commence.” 


The Chase. 


123 


'^That’s Solis Point over there, boys,” the skipper called 
after them, indicating a peculiar formation on the bank 
with a wave of his hand. “Nine miles from the sea. We 
ought to make it in forty minutes at the most. Tell that 
Argentine officer to hurry up with his guns, as I expect 
we will sight the yacht after leaving the river.” 

They found the lieutenant in the conning tower, direct- 
ing the wheelman. It was barely large enough for two, 
so Jack and the young surgeon stood outside and con- 
versed with him through the open door. The middy ex- 
plained in a very few words what they anticipated on 
sighting the Spaniard, and the necessity of displaying as 
much force as possible. When the commander was told 
that Lopez might use the small brass cannon on board the 
yacht, his eyes glistened, and he rubbed his hands in evi- 
dent expectation of warm work. 

“Yes, I have two machine guns down below,” he re- 
plied to a question of Jack’s. “They haven’t been mounted, 
on account of an order from the department requiring 
them kept out of the open air until needed. It will only 
take a short time to get them ready.” 

“Have you the necessary ammunition?” 

“Oh, yes! two hundred pounds. Enough to sink a 
dozen yachts. Do you think we will have a chance to use 
the guns ?” 

“I hope not, sir,” replied Jack, gravely. “Mr. Good- 
rich’s daughter and another young lady are on board.” 

“I beg your pardon,” exclaimed the young lieutenant. 
“I had forgotten that. No ; it would never do to fire on 


124 


The Chase. 


her in that case. But I suppose you wish to use several 
blank charges to try and frighten them ?” 

^‘Yes; I think he will see we mean business when he 
hears the report of a gun, but I have very little hope he 
will surrender. A man who has committed a triple mur- 
der in cold blood, and mutinied on the high seas, is des- 
perate enough to do anything. I am afraid he will com- 
mit some terrible act when he sights us.” 

While Jack was speaking, the commander had given 
orders to mount the rifles. Several sailors soon ap- 
peared from below, carrying the different parts. The 
bodies of the guns were too heavy to bring up the narrow 
ladder, so they were hoisted up the forward hatch with 
block and tackle. The second lieutenant took charge of 
the work, and before many minutes had them in readiness. 
One was mounted just forward of the conning tower, and 
the other aft on the quarter. 

By the time this was finished the mouth of the river 
could be seen a few miles distant. Mr. Goodrich and the 
skipper now joined the others, and every one remained 
silent for a time. All felt that the momentous period was 
near at hand. The old gentleman stood to one side, his 
face anxious and care-worn. A few more hours and the 
fate of his child would be known. Jack glanced sorrow- 
fully at him, and his clinched hands boded ill for the cause 
of all the trouble. i 

Marie’s winsome face never seemed so fair as now, 
when she was in such peril, and as he recalled the kindly 
manner in which she had bidden him good-by that moni- 


The Chase. 


125 

ing, a lump came in his throat, and his eyes grew moist 
from manly emotion. 

As they drew nearer the sea a dread came over them — 
a dread that the yacht might have disappeared. She had 
not left more than an hour before the torpedo boat, which, 
at their different rate of sailing, would place them only a 
few miles apart; so, if she were not in sight on leaving 
the river, something must have happened. 

With every turn of the screw, their anxiety grew more 
intense, until at last Mr. Goodrich felt so overcome that 
he walked aft and sat down, relying on the others to con- 
vey the news. The crew of the torpedo boat had learned 
of their destination, and were now grouped forward of 
the hatch, highly interested. They seemed a hardy set 
of man-of-war’s men, and Jack realized that if it came to 
actual fighting the mutineers would not last five minutes 
before them. 

At last a long line of white-capped waves appeared in 
sight, revealing the presence of the bar at the mouth of 
the stream. A few minutes later and only a series of 
wooded heights shut off the view; then the sharp steel 
prow of the torpedo boat entered the sea, and there, in 
plain view toward the south, was the steam yacht Marie, 
her rakish hull lifting to the swell with graceful motions. 

An involuntary cheer came from the lips of all, and 
Jack, in his enthusiasm, tossed his cap high in the air. 

The lieutenant said something to an officer standing 
near, and presently the loud report of a blank charge 
echoed over the waters. 

It was apparently unnoticed by those on board the 


126 


The Chase. 


chase. No sign of bunting could be seen, but, instead, a 
dense column of black smoke came from her funnel, and 
the course was slightly altered. 

“They are edging toward the land!” exclaimed the 
middy, leveling a spyglass he had taken from the conning 
tower. 

“ni eat a mainsail if the miserable skunk isn’t a-goin’ 
to run her ashore!” broke in Captain Breeze, excitedly 
dancing around the narrow deck. “Oh ! if I only had 
these here hands on him, I’d choke his luff in two turns 
of a wheel !” 

Mr. Goodrich appeared at this moment, and, catching 
the words, turned to the speaker, pale with horror. He 
essayed to speak, but the words stayed in his throat, and 
he walked away a^ain, wringing his hands. 

In the meantime the lieutenant had seen the manoeuvre, 
and, calling on the engine-room for every possible ounce 
of steam, signified his intention of slipping between the 
yacht and the shore. 


CHAPTER XVIIL 


THE PRECIOUS PAPERS. 

“It will be rather dangerous/' he admitted, surveying 
the coast with a pair of powerful binocles ; “but we draw 
much less water than she does, and it is worth trying, 
anyway. I will fire another charge when we get a little 
nearer, and if that doesn't have any effect, we will head 
them off." 

They had now crept close enough to distinguish 
figures on the Marie's deck, and the appearance of Lopez 
on the bridge, clad in a uniform belonging to Captain 
Breeze, aroused that worthy old salt's ire to such an ex- 
tent that he fairly bubbled over. His vocabulary of 
strained oaths seemed unlimited, and he poured them 
forth in an endless stream. 

Jack also felt his choler rising at the sight of that fig- 
ure. He did not indulge in verbal pyrotechnics, but his 
thoughts were scarcely mild, and he would have will- 
ingly given a year's pay to have the fellow at hand. 

Another round was fired from the forward gun, and 
those watching saw Lopez hurriedly climb down the 
bridge ladder, but he was up again almost instantly, and 
then they noticed several of the mutineers drag the small 
brass saluting howitzer from its place near the bow. 

It was carried aft to the starboard quarter, and secured 


128 


The Precious Papers, 

to one of the hawser bitts. That they meant to fire on 
their pursuers was clearly proven by the actions of the 
men. One brought a small canvas bag of powder, which 
he rammed into the gun, while others were seen coming 
with what seemed pieces of iron. 

‘‘This is growing serious,'’ exclaimed Lovering, lower- 
ing his glass and turning to Jack with a comical look of 
dismay. “The beggars are going to pot us if they can. 
I confess I don’t like being a target without the power 
of striking back. If I had a good rifle I think I could 
keep those bloodthirsty villains away from that gun.” 

“A rifle? why, there are scores of them on board,” re- 
plied the middy. “I’ll get one for you, George, and you 
can try the scheme. I think, if you hit one of them, it 
will have a wholesome effect on the others.” 

Hurrying away, Gordon secured a Marteni-Henri, with 
several rounds of ammunition, and handed the weapon to 
Lovering. The young surgeon had made quite a reputa- 
tion on board the Wampum as a sharpshooter. Long 
practice had rendered him very proficient at a target, and 
it now stood him in good stead. 

The distance between the two vessels had gradually 
lessened, until, by the time George was ready to try his 
skill, they were not more than eight hundred yards apart. 
The mutineers were still actively engaged in preparing 
the howitzer for use. Three or four of them stood work- 
ing round it, and Lopez could be seen directing them 
from the bridge. 

The opportunity seemed favorable, and Lovering was 
just lifting the rifle to an aim, when the old gentleman. 


The Precious Papers. 129 

who had been watching his preparations, asked him to 
wait a moment. 

‘'We are near enough for them to hear my voice, and 
I am going to speak to Lopez,” he said, hurriedly. “I 
wish to try every chance before resorting to violence.” 

Taking a trumpet the lieutenant had passed to him, he 
applied it to his lips and shouted: 

“Ahoy, the yacht !” 

The Spaniard looked around at the sound, but, con- 
temptuously shaking his fist in their direction, refused to 
answer. Mr. Goodrich turned away with a sigh, and 
walked aft. Regarding the action as a tacit permission, 
George leveled his rifle, and, taking careful aim, pulled 
the trigger. 

The spiteful report was followed by a faint cry of pain, 
and one of the mutineers was seen to throw up his arms 
and stagger back. The effect was salutary, however. 
Not stopping to finish loading their howitzer, the rest of 
the crew ran forward, and disappeared from view, leaving 
their wounded comrade on the deck. 

“Bully!” shouted Captain Breeze, dancing about in 
high glee. “That fetched ’em. Now, can’t you shoot 
that grinning dago on the bridge ? But, hold on. Lover- 
ing, hit him in the top-hamper — I don’t want them clothes 
spoiled.” 

Holding the still smoking weapon in his hands, George 
waited to see what the Spaniard would do. He secretly 
resolved to disable him next, if he obtained a chance, and 
it was but a very short time before the opportunity came. 

At first, on seeing one of his men shot, the chief mu- 


130 


The Precious Papers. 


tineer stood gazing on the deck, apparently aghast ; then, 
uttering a cry of rage, he jumped down the ladder and 
rushed aft, followed by one of the men. Instantly divin- 
ing their intention. Lovering took rapid aim and fired. It 
was a miss. They kept on, and had almost reached the 
gun, when the young surgeon's rifle again rang out. To 
the joy of the watchers on the torpedo boat, the Spaniard 
was observed to grasp his right arm frantically, and reel 
against the other man. 

However, the undoubtedly painful wound did not check 
him, and George prepared to fire a third time, when 
suddenly the yacht careened over and remained station- 
ary. She had run aground ! 

In an instant all was confusion on board. Men poured 
out of the forecastle and engine-room, and, joining Lo- 
pez, stood waving their hands toward the other vessel as 
if imploring assistance. In the meantime the latter had 
shot past, and was some distance away before the engines 
could be stopped. Then, circling around, she steamed 
slowly toward the disabled craft. 

In the excitement of the chase they had approached 
very near the coast, and now it was seen that the white, 
sandy line denoting the beach could not be more than 
half-a-mile distant. It was well the Argentine vessel 
drew less water, else she would have also struck. As it 
was, her commander felt anxious until he ran back into 
deeper soundings. 

Where the Marie lay was apparently a shoal spot en- 
tirely under the surface, and giving no warning of its 
presence. Whether she was injured remained to be 


The Precious Papers. 131 

proven. If the bottom was soft or of yielding sand, it 
would be an easy matter to float her again, but if the for- 
mation consisted of rock, some of the hull plates must 
have been broken. In that case she would probably 
prove a total wreck. 

Meanwhile, an effort was evidently being made on 
board the yacht to lower a boat. Lopez could be seen 
issuing orders right and left, and in obedience to his com- 
mands the quarter-boat soon floated alongside. The 
weather was still mild, and very little sea delayed them. 

Running as close as he dared, the young lieutenant 
hailed the mutineers, and ordered them to come to the 
torpedo boat. Then, rigging out a light yawl carried 
amidships, he informed Mr. Goodrich that it was at his 
disposal. The old gentleman had noticed the absence of 
the two girls from the deck with varying emotions. It 
might mean either good or evil, but hope bade him believe 
they had found protectors in the two servants. 

Accompanied by Jack, he jumped into the yawl, and 
started for the stranded yacht. Just as they pulled away 
from the side a shout on deck caused them to look up. 
Lovering was standing near the conning tower, pointing 
toward the Marie's boat. 

“They have turned toward the beach,” he said, ex- 
citedly waving his hand. 

“They can never land in that surf.” 

“Come back, ye blamed fools !” roared Captain Breeze, 
from near the bow. But, with the exception of a derisive 
shout, they paid no heed, and swept steadily on to where 


132 


The Precious Papers. 


a mass of foaming white-capped waves could be seen 
beating with sullen force on the shore. 

“What will we do?” asked Mr. Goodrich, following the 
boat’s progress with rapt attention. 

“Let them go,” replied Jack, setting his teeth, and 
quietly directing the yawl’s crew to row on. “Their 
blood be on their own heads. If they are drowned, it will 
be a fitting fate. Anyway, we could not stop them now.” 

After getting clear of the side he ordered the men to 
rest on their oars, and, together with the old gentleman, 
watched the fleeing mutineers with intense interest. The 
latter evidently thought they were choosing the lesser 
evil. Certain punishment awaited them if captured, and 
by attempting to pass the surf they had some chance of 
escaping. They were now desperate enough to run any 
risk. The yacht aground, their pursuers close at hand, 
and an Argentine government officer in command, be- 
tokened hopeless ruin to their plans. 

As they approached the beach the deep booming of the 
breakers must have frightened them, because they were 
seen to bring the bow around as if trying to pull away, but 
it was too late. Caught in the grasp of a merciless un- 
dertow, they were swept with resistless force into the 
midst of the boiling waters, and capsized. 

For a moment several struggling forms could be dis- 
tinguished on the crest of a gigantic wave, then they, too, 
disappeared, swallowed up by the remorseless sea. 

Lovering, from his position on the torpedo boat, 
watched patiently with a pair of powerful binocles to see 
if any one had escaped, but could discern nothing, except 


The Precious Papers. 133 

a dark object lying on the sand close to the edge of the 
surface. As it did not move he at last concluded it was 
only a piece of driftwood, and turned away. 

Filled with horror at the tragic scene, Jack and Mr. 
Goodrich resumed their trip to the yacht. It did not take 
them long to scramble on deck, and, rushing aft, they 
quickly descended to the saloon. 

Marie, Marie ! are you here ?” called out the old gen- 
tleman, anxiously. 

A glad cry sounded from forward, and the two girls, 
followed by Sam and the cook, came running toward 
them. Not far behind was the Newfoundland dog. Shag, 
who, leaping on the middy, almost bore him to the deck. 
Marie threw herself into her father’s arms, and sobbed 
with joy, while Manchita stood close by, half-crying and 
half-laughing in her excitement. 

The exuberance of the two negroes caused them to 
dance back and forth on the soft, carpeted floor, uttering 
fervent expressions of thankfulness, which, under other 
circumstances, would have been highly ludicrous. After 
several minutes of mutual explanation. Jack went on deck 
to signal the torpedo boat, leaving Mr. Goodrich in the 
saloon. Taking a handkerchief, he commenced ‘Wig- 
wagging” to Lovering, but before he had transmitted 
two words, the old gentleman rushed after him, and, in a 
voice filled with excitement, exclaimed: 

‘Tt is gone! The mutineers have stolen our plans of 
the treasure cavern I” 


CHAPTER XIX. 


FLOATING THE YACHT. 

When Mr. Goodrich made the startling announcement 
that their plans showing the route to the treasure cavern 
had been stolen by the mutineers, Jack looked at him 
curiously for a moment, and then smiled. 

Thinking he had not been understood, the old gentle- 
man repeated his words with greater emphasis, but the 
middy actually laughed, and, with a quizzical glance at 
the other’s bewildered face, drew forth a small leathern 
pouch from around his neck. 

“It is not such a great calamity, after all, sir,” he 
chuckled, taking some folded papers from the bag and 
spreading them out. “Here is a true copy of both the 
document and the map. I took the precaution of stow- 
ing these on my person before leaving Buenos Ayres.” 

“Well, I declare!” was all Mr. Goodrich could say at 
first, then, taking the papers, he looked carefully over 
them, and added : 

“My boy, you have more sense than the rest of us. 
Your forethought has made the expedition possible 
again, for we could never have attempted it without this 
guide. I will have a copy drawn up for each of us this 
very day ; and then we will be sure of one, no matter what 
happens.” 


Pleating the Yacht. 135 

“How did you discover the loss?” 

“I went into my room, after you left the cabin, to see 
what damage was done there, and the first thing I noticed 
on passing the door, was my escritoire upset, and con- 
tents scattered around the floor. My first thought was of 
the plans, and, on searching for them, I found both 
gone.” 

“Was anything else missing?” continued the middy, re- 
flectively. 

“No; that is the strangest part of it. I had some 
money in one of the drawers, but it was not touched. It 
looks very much as if Lopez, or whoever it was, had 
known of the existence of the plans ; but that is hardly 
possible.” 

“I don't know,” slowly replied Jack. “There is some 
mystery about that man which has bothered me ever since 
I met him. You remember how Lovering thought he 
recognized him the day he shipped? Well, I have fan- 
cied several times I caught a resemblance to a person 
seen under peculiar circumstances. It seems awfully ab- 
surd, but ” 

“Mr. Goodrich, oh! Mr. Goodrich; how glad I am to 
see you on board once more I” called out a voice behind 
them, and, on turning quickly, they saw a begrimed face 
thrust through the engine-room hatch. It was Adams, 
the assistant engineer. 

He came out on deck, and, hurrying aft, began an in- 
coherent explanation of his presence. At first the owner 
was seriously inclined to think the man had really been in 
league with the mutineers, but a moment's consideration 


136 Floating the Yacht. 

dispelled his doubts. His previous character and faith- 
fulness, together with his present actions, indicated that 
he had assisted Lopez only under great pressure. 

“Where are your men?'’ asked Jack. 

“All gone, sir. They went with the mutineers, being 
afraid you would think they were guilty, also.” 

“And Ben Brett; he couldn’t have left also?” 

“I heard one of them say — the man who was sta- 
tioned to guard me — that the old sailor and another deck 
hand were in the forecastle, bound hand and foot.” 

Uttering an exclamation of sympathy, the middy ran 
forward, and soon released them. After rubbing the 
stiffness out of their limbs, they returned with him to the 
quarter-deck, where Mr. Goodrich greeted them with 
pleasant words. 

Dawson’s face wore an expression of deep remorse. 
He felt that his own carelessness had caused the whole 
trouble, and the honest lad was just going to explain his 
unfortunate connection with the mutiny when the little 
yawl, which had returned to the torpedo boat, arrived 
alongside, bearing Lovering, Captain Breeze, and the 
young lieutenant. 

The sigh of satisfaction which came from the skipper’s 
breast as he stepped on deck, sounded like a passing wind 
through tautened cordage. He removed his hat, and, 
stalking up to Brett, regarded him fixedly. The old 
sailor hung his head in evident humiliation. 

“He is not to blame. Breeze,” interrupted Mr. Good- 
rich, kindly placing his hand on Ben’s shoulder. “Those 


Floating the Yacht. 137 

scoundrels knocked him down and stowed him away in 
the forecastle like a piece of old junk.” 

‘‘Glad to hear it happened that way,” gruffly replied the 
captain. Then he asked, anxiously: “But ain’t none o’ 
the men on board ?” 

On being told that all had left in the quarter-boat, he 
looked mightily disappointed, and disappeared into his 
room. 

“Now that we are once more on board the Marie, 
thanks to your friendly assistance,” said the old gentle- 
man, turning to the lieutenant, “I presume the first thing 
in order is to see what damage she has received. Jack, 
will you call Captain Breeze?” 

“Certainly, sir,” replied the middy, leaving the group. 
In a few minutes he had returned with the skipper, hav- 
ing notified him of the owner’s wishes. 

After some further conversation on the subject, prepa- 
rations were made for sounding the depth of the water on 
the shoal. The yacht was very short-handed now, only 
two men — Brett and Dawson — being left besides the 
skipper. This trouble was obviated, however, by the 
lieutenant offering to loan them several firemen in case 
they worked the vessel afloat. 

In obedience to an order from the skipper, Ben 
sounded the well, a precaution necessary in ascertaining 
whether she had started a plate. He found only four 
inches, the average quantity, and proof positive that the 
hull was still water-tight. 

The old sailor then took a small hand lead, and care- 
fully sounded on both sides and astern. He reported a 


Floating the Yacht. 


138 

varying depth of from seven to ten feet, running from the 
bow. The tallow in the heel of the lead showed a sandy 
bottom, just what they had expected. The greater depth 
aft indicated a shelving bottom, and the prospect did not 
seem so hopeless. 

Captain Breeze, although uncouth in many ways, was 
a thorough seaman for all that, and he went about the 
task of floating her with a systematic energy which in- 
spired confidence in the rest. It was decided to try and 
work her off with the engines first, and, if that failed, to 
use the kedge anchors, a slow and laborious task. 

Ben and Dawson were sent in the fireroom, with in- 
structions to get up a full head of steam, and remain 
there until the relief came from the torpedo boat. Jack 
took the wheel, while the skipper conned the yacht from 
the bridge. 

It did not take long to get the engines ready for turn- 
ing over, as enough time had not elapsed since she ran 
aground for the fires to die out. Presently Adams, 
pleased at the change in his superior officers, called cheer- 
fully up the tube that he was ready. 

Lx)vering had been instructed to hold the lead line over 
the side to tell the instant she moved. All was ready at 
last, and with a firm hand Captain Breeze turned the indi- 
cator to “astern, full speed.’’ With a whir of machinery 
the powerful engines responded to the call, and from the 
counter came the churning of the propeller, beating the 
water. 

The first result was a muddy discoloration of the sea. 


Floating the Yacht. 139 

and a slight shaking of the hull. Then she commenced 
to sag astern, but very slightly. 

“Whoop her up, down there!” shouted the excited 
skipper to Adams. “She’s movin’ I she’s movin’ !” 

A faint “Aye, aye, sir,” came back, and the Marie 
literally quivered from stem to stern under the impetus 
of the rapidly revolving wheel. 

Inch by inch she slipped away from the tenacious clutch 
of the shoal, until at last, with a force that almost buried 
the stern under the water, she floated off in safety. 

A wild “Hurrah I” came from the torpedo boat, which 
was echoed with a vim from those on board. Then the 
young lieutenant departed for his own vessel, promising 
to send over three or four men to assist them in returning 
to Bahia Blanca. 

It was the opinion of all that the yacht had been very 
fortunate in escaping serious damage. An inexperi- 
enced navigator like the Spaniard could have easily 
wrecked her in a far more dangerous spot. In the course 
of an hour the volunteers from the torpedo boat came on 
board, with a message from her commander, stating that 
he would convoy them into port. Everything being in 
readiness, they started on the return trip, and reached the 
old anchorage without further mishap, shortly after dark. 


CHAPTER XX. 


JACK SURPRISES THEM. 

That evening after dinner Mr. Goodrich, Lovering, and 
Jack adjourned to the skipper’s room for a quiet chat. 
Owing to the worry and fatigue of the day, Marie and 
Manchita had retired early, completely exhausted. It 
had been an ordeal for them, and crowded in the past 
twelve hours were more thrilling incidents than the for- 
mer had experienced in her previous existence. 

The chief engineer, Mr. Watts, had boarded the yacht 
immediately after she came to anchor, and, hardly waiting 
to hear an account of the day’s events from his assistant, 
began a rigid inspection of the engines. He found that 
certain repairs were absolutely necessary, and also ad- 
vised the old gentleman to fill the coal bunkers before 
leaving Bahia Blanca. After a little figuring, he an- 
nounced that it would require at least ten days to do this, 
a piece of information particularly unpleasant to all. 
However, there was no way out of it, so they settled 
down as contentedly as possible. 

It was decided that the skipper should go on shore the 
following morning, and try to secure a crew. Three fire- 
men and four deck hands were needed to replace the mu- 
tineers, but it was considered a comparatively easy task 
to obtain them in the port. Breeze was given carte 


I4I 


Jack Surprises Them. 

blanche this time, with instructions to go by rail to 
Buenos Ayres, if necessary. It ultimately transpired that 
he secured the crew of a condemned British steamer, 
seven good, steady men, who grasped the opportunity of 
shipping on the Marie with avidity. However, that is 
slightly ahead of the story. 

The evening of their arrival, they were all assembled 
in the skipper’s room, as stated before. Jack seemed 
strangely preoccupied, and had been rallied by Lovering 
several times on that account. He parried the other’s 
questions with a joke, and seemed adverse to stating the 
reason for his thoughtful mood, until at last, attracting 
the attention of Mr. Goodrich and the captain from a 
casual conversation, he announced that he had something 
important to say, which concerned their present voyage. 

Breeze had long before been fully informed by the old 
gentleman as to the purpose of the expedition, and he 
was regarded by them as one of the company, so the 
middy did not hesitate to speak before him. 

‘T have acquired a little information to-day which will 
probably startle you,” he began, speaking slowly and with 
evident appreciation of his theme. “It has been sus- 
pected by one of us” — here he glanced at George — “for 
some time, but I think even he will be surprised. Now, 
allow me to ask you who has been the cause of all our 
trouble since leaving Buenos Ayres?” 

“Why, the Spaniard, of course,” replied Mr. Good- 
rich, looking at Gordon wonderingly. 

“Exactly; and it was also he who stole the original 
plans of Terra del Fuego. Why do you suppose he 


142 


Jack Surprises Them. 

wanted them? I’ll tell you. The circumstances of the 
theft ■ indicated that he knew of their existence. Well, 
why not, considering that he was the original owner?” 

“What !” exclaimed the old gentleman and Breeze in a 
breath. “The Spaniard, Juan Lopez, was really Manuel 
Garcia ?” 

“Impossible!” added Mr. Goodrich. “That man died 
on my house the night of the revolution.” 

“He was supposed to have died, but that he did not is 
proved by the fact that he sailed with us from Buenos 
Ayres, and was probably lost in the surf to-day.” 

The young surgeon had quietly listened to Gordon’s 
startling information until now. Arising from his chair, 
he approached the middy, and asked, without the slightest 
trace of excitement in his voice : 

“Your proof. Jack; what is it?” 

“Well, this is it in a nutshell: Since Mr. Goodrich 
told me about the disappearance of those plans I have 
been thinking deeply over the matter. It seemed almost 
impossible that Lopez and Garcia were one, but a sudden 
inspiration revealed a way to satisfy my doubts. I simply 
asked Manchita the names of the sailors killed by the so- 
called Lopez on her father’s vessel. As I partially ex- 
pected, she replied : ‘J<^hn Carnow and Jim Duffy.’ 
Now, what did we read on the back of the map? The 
date and place those very same men were murdered by 
Garcia. Do you require further proof?” 

“But what about the scene on the roof?” asked Mr. 
Goodrich, still unconvinced. “Surely our surgeon here 
would be able to tell whether the man was dead or not.” 



“Jack was pulled across by Ben.’’ See page i86. 





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Jack Surprises Them. 143 

This was not said in sarcasm, but really meant by the old 
gentleman in support of his views. 

Thus drawn into the argument, Lovering replied : 

“Not always, sir. Every doctor is liable to make a mis- 
take in such a case. There are certain syncopes which 
will deceive one in daylight. And remember, this took 
place on a dark night, with only a small hand-lantern to 
see by. The excitement of the hour, with other attend- 
ing circumstances, also rendered it posssible. No, I be- 
lieve, in fact, I know, that Jack is right. I thought I 
recognized the man the day he shipped, but it seemed so 
improbable that I was convinced against my will.” 

“The feller must have been lugged away by one of his 
soger mates, and taken to a hospital, eh?” said Captain 
Breeze, deeply interested. 

“No doubt that was the way,” replied Jack. “Then 
after he recovered he shipped on board the yacht with 
some of his confederates.” 

“Why didn’t he come to us boldly and demand his 
rightful property?” asked Mr. Goodrich. 

“Well, that is the strangest part of it,” answered Lover- 
ing, reflectively. “However, it will all come out some 
day.” 

“How’s that? the man is as dead as Davy Jones now,” 
exclaimed the skipper with a quiet chuckle. 

George remained silent, but an expression of deep 
thought came over his face, and he walked toward the 
open door as if he wished to retire. 

As it was growing late, the other two followed his ex- 
ample, leaving Captain Breeze to arrange the anchor 


144 Jack Surprises Them. 

watches for the night. As he only had two men he de- 
cided to remain up until midnight himself. On the ma- 
jority of vessels it is customary to have the crew stand 
watch one at a time while at anchcor, in case anything 
should occur, but the necessity was not so apparent in a 
protected port like Bahia Blanca. The skipper was noth- 
ing if not systematic, however, so he carried out the reg- 
ular routine. 

Next morning all hands were up bright and early, not- 
withstanding the fatigues of the previous day. Captain 
Breeze went ashore shortly after sunrise to look up his 
crew, and returned before noon with the seven men men- 
tioned before. Mr. Goodrich reviewed them on deck, and 
seemed favorably impressed by their appearance. They 
proved a hardy set, looking as if well suited to the rough 
work of a sailor’s life^ and were duly shipped. 

By direction of the old gentleman, Jack made them a 
short speech, relating the circumstances of the mutiny 
and its results. After this they were turned over to the 
skipper and Mr. Watts, who placed them to work imme- 
diately. 

.* During the following ten days nothing occurred to de- 
lay the repairs, so one afternoon, amid the well-wishes of 
a host of friends made in Bahia Blanca, the yacht 
steamed down the river once more, but this time in charge 
of her rightful crew. From then until the fourth day out 
the voyage was unbroken by incidents worth mention- 
ing. Sandy Point, a settlement in the Straits of Ma- 
gellan, had been passed the previous evening, and on this 
morning, just as the grayish light heralding the coming 


145 


Jack Surprises Tkem. 

of dawn had given way to the brighter glories of the sun, 
a man stationed at the masthead hailed the bridge with 
the welcome cry of : 

^‘Land O !’’ 

Both the skipper and Jack had been on deck since mid- 
night, as the vicinity was considered dangerous cruising 
ground. On hearing the announcement, the middy seized 
a glass and climbed the fore-rigging. At first he was 
only able to see a dark smudge against the distant ho- 
rizon, but as the sun rose higher, and the yacht’s speed 
carried her rapidly on, the spot broadened out, and at last 
stood revealed, a mountain peak. 

According to the map drawn by Bill Wilson, the shel- 
tered bay named after him was to be found on the ex- 
treme eastern edge of the coast line, with the highest 
mountain peak bearing southwest by south while steering 
a southerly course. This was probably the peak. 

Calling Mr. Goodrich, Captain Breeze notified him of 
his intention of running slowly in toward land, using the 
lead as a precaution against shoals. This he did until 
bottom was reached at eight fathoms, then, skirting the 
coast, which hacT become plainly visible, he at last an- 
nounced that they were undoubtedly abreast of the ba> . 


CHAPTER XXL 


BII.L WIIvSON'S bay. 

The report that land had been sighted brought every- 
body on deck. Even Marie and Manchita hastily dressed 
and joined the group on the bridge. The morning was 
clear, and cold enough for heavy outer clothing. Since 
leaving Bahia Blanca, the temperature had steadily fallen, 
until now it registered thirty degrees above zero. 

‘T think it seldom gets lower than this in these here 
latitudes,’^ said Captain Breeze, from the depths of a 
fathom of woolen neckerchief. “I hev seen it freeze 
spray as it was a-flying over the deck, but that was away 
to the southward, beyond the cape.” 

“It seems so peculiar to have the dead of winter in 
July,” exclaimed Marie to Jack. “Just to think of our 
friends up north, going to seaside resorts for surf bath- 
ing this very month, while we are shivering under wraps.” 

“Well, I hardly believe I envy them,” replied the middy, 
with a smile. “I think it is much easier to keep warm in 
cold weather than to keep cool in warm weather, don’t 
you ?” 

“But which brings the most comfort,” persisted Marie, 
roguishly, “a cool breeze on a warm day or a warm breeze 
on a cool day?” 

“Did you speak, ma’am?” interrupted the skipper, 
thinking he had heard his name mentioned. 


147 


Bill Wilson’s Bay. 

‘‘Yes, captain,” laughed Jack; “Miss GcxDdrich wishes 
to know whether you would prefer being a cool ‘breeze' 
on a warm day, or a warm ‘breeze’ on a cold day ?” 

The old sailor indulged in a quiet chuckle, which 
caused his weather-beaten face to contort in a most won- 
derful manner. 

“Wal, a leetle of both would about suit me, ma’am,” he 
answered, with a wink at the middy. “Howsomever, I 
ain’t particular ; I generally takes it as it comes.” 

During this by-play the yacht had headed in toward 
the land. Directly in front of them could be seen an in- 
dentation in the coast, with a bold, rugged headland at 
the northern point. It appeared to be a roomy and well- 
sheltered spot, protected against the sweep of the sea by 
an exposed reef running out some hundreds of yards from 
the shore. A sandy beach, gleaming in the sun’s rays, 
stretched along the inner edge, and back of that was a 
long, low plain, extending to where, in the distance, 
loomed a mountain peak, just faintly visible. 

A series of white patches scattered here and there on 
its sides, and brought into prominent relief by somber 
masses of rock, indicated the presence of eternal snow. 
It was apparently an extinct volcano, emptied of its sub- 
terranean fires, and remaining a solitary sentinel amid 
the desolate regions of the south. 

“Not a very inviting exterior to our treasure chamber,” 
whispered Lovering to the middy, as they stood watching 
the panorama unfolding before them. 

“The roughs k the sweeter the kernel,” quoted 

Jack, in repl/. ' if we had to stay down here and 


148 


Bill Wilson’s Bay. 


spend our gold — when we get it — it would be a different 
story/’ 

“That is very true, old boy; but you must not forget 
that in an expedition of this kind we might stay much 
longer than we expect, or care to.” 

“Now, don’t croak ; that isn’t like you, George,” hastily 
replied Jack, looking at his friend in surprise. But the 
merry twinkle in Lovering’s eye reassured him, and he 
turned away with a laugh. 

The Marie edged her way in very cautiously. The 
lead was kept going on both sides, and at one time, find- 
ing the water shoaling more rapidly than was desired. 
Captain Breeze lowered a new cutter they had secured in 
Bahia Blanca, and sent it on ahead to feel the way. 

“It don’t look very pleasant,” said the skipper, gruffly, 
but casting an approving glance at the almost land-locked 
interior as they passed the reef, he continued: “It’s an 
almighty snug harbor, anyway, an’ a ship could rot here 
without being disturbed.” 

Rounding to within a stone’s throw of the beach, both 
anchors were let go, and preparations made for a lengthy 
stay. The short topmasts were housed, awnings furled 
for stowing below, and everything needed to render the 
yacht shipshape attended to by the experienced old sailor 
before nightfall. 

It had been decided to start inland on the following 
day, several hours being considered sufficient in which to 
prepare for the expedition, as all details had been ar- 
ranged beforehand. Captain Breeze was to stay behind 
in charge of the yacht, with all the cre^w except Ben Brett 


149 


Bill Wilson’s Bay. 

and Sam Sorreltop, who were to accompany the caval- 
cade as general assistant and servant, respectively. They, 
with Mr. Goodrich, Jack and Lovering, would make five 
all told. 

At first the old gentleman thought it would be better to 
take four of the sailors, but he finally yielded to the ad- 
vice of the young officers, who said that the fewer the 
number the less time would be wasted in travel. 

That evening after dinner Mr. Goodrich called a con- 
sultation in his room to again talk over the explanation on 
the rude map drawn by Bill Wilson. 

"Tt is best to be thoroughly familiar with every detail 
before starting out,” he commenced, spreading the copy 
Jack had so fortunately made, on his desk. “Now, ac- 
cording to this it is about a four days’ journey on foot to 
the mountains. I presume that means seventy-five or 
eighty miles ?” 

“About that,” replied Lovering, reflectively. “We 
ought to travel twenty miles a day at least — that is, if 
the country permits.” 

“Well, if we are successful in our search,” put in Jack, 
laughingly, “it will take us considerably longer to go than 
to return. We won’t have as much food to carry back, 
but I hope we will secure gold enough to make respect- 
able burdens for all of us.” 

“Now, although this map is rudely sketched, yet it 
appears to be correct so far/’ continued the old gentle- 
man, glancing at the others over his eyeglasses. “We 
have found this bay as he directed, and there is the moun- 
tain peak in plain view. The dotted line undoubtedly 


Bill Wilson’s Bay. 


ISO 

represents their route to the beach after escaping from 
the crater. It runs pretty straight from about midway 
between the high land and the bay, but nearer the moun- 
tains it must, from the zigzag course, pass along ravines 
and crevices.” 

“The spot he has marked with a cross evidently indi- 
cates the pit they fell into?” said Lovering, interroga- 
tively. 

“Yes ; that is the place he says can only be crossed by a 
ten-fathom rope. We have that among the stores, 
haven’t we. Jack?” 

“I saw it packed myself,” replied the middy. “It is a 
two-inch manilla, strong enough to support an ox. There 
is also a light boatswain’s chair and a smaller rope to be 
used with it.” 

“What I understand by his remarks on the map,” re- 
sumed Mr. Goodrich, thrumming on the desk with a pair 
of compasses, “is that by crossing this gulch we can go 
directly to the crater without encountering the Tunny 
people’ he mentions.” 

“It is hard to say,” ventured Jack, doubtfully. “He is 
rather vague there. Probably he means it is easier to 
reach there by crossing than the way they took, through 
all the caverns. I think we run a risk of encountering 
these natives near their treasure as well as elsewhere.” 

“Probably more so,” quietly added George. 

“Well, if we meet them it cannot be helped,” said the 
old gentleman. “I think that, with our modern weapons, 
we five can render a good account with almost any num- 
ber.” 


Bill Wilson’s Bay. 15 1 

^‘It is a pity the rest of that letter was lost exclaimed 
Gordon, regretfully. '‘It would have been all plain sail- 
ing, instead of this groping around in the dark. That 
map does not tell how we will recognize the crater when 
we arrive there. All it says is to follow a narrow tunnel 
in the mountain side, to be found two miles beyond the 
black pit.” 

“I take it he means the crater is at the very end of this 
rock passage,” suggested Mr. Goodrich. “Well, boys, we 
will know before long, anyway. Now, I think it is about 
time to retire. We must be up bright and early to- 
morrow for a hard day’s work.” 

Next morning the yacht presented a scene of bustle 
and activity long before the sun showed his wintry face 
over the eastern horizon. William, the cook, had a 
steaming hot breakfast prepared for all hands by four 
o’clock, and, after eating, the men were set to work load- 
ing the quarter-boat with stores for the expedition.” 

This occupied the time until daylight, when, just as 
soon as it was possible to see, several men went ashore 
with the boat, and unloaded the cargo on the beach, near 
where a narrow river flowed into the bay. It only re- 
quired one trip, as just the few articles necessary for ab- 
solute use were taken. The long ropes formed the most 
weighty item, but they had been divided into five por- 
tions, compactly arranged. 

Each man carried a knapsack, especially made in 
Buenos Ayres after plans drawn by Lovering. They 
were snugly packed with canned food and other minor 


15a Bill Wilson’s Bay. 

articles, and were constructed to rest easily on the shoul- 
ders. 

The expedition was to start from the yacht at nine 
o’clock, landing in the light skiff. Shortly after the time 
arrived, however, an important discovery was made 
which portended serious trouble to the expedition at the 
outset. 


CHAPTER XXII. 


AN UNWELCOME DISCOVERY. 

The way the discovery mentioned in the last chapter 
came to be made was this: Those men dispatched on 
shore with the stores were ordered to remain there and 
assist the expedition in starting, and on no account to 
leave the articles unguarded. 

Shortly before nine Captain Breeze chanced to glance 
toward the beach, and, to his great surprise, saw one of 
the men ji^p into the boat and scull rapidly in the direc- 
tion of the yacht. 

Where they had landed was a little inlet or cove sur- 
rounded by short, wiry bushes, and near the mouth of 
what seemed a narrow stream flowing into the bay. The 
spot had been selected because of its shelving beach and 
nearness to the yacht. 

The skipper watched the oncoming boat with anxiety. 
He knew that his imperative orders would not be dis- 
obeyed without good cause, and that something ex- 
traordinary must have occurred. Sending a man below 
to call Mr. Goodrich and the others, he stood by the gang- 
way ladder and waited. He was joined almost imme- 
diately by the old gentleman and Gordon, who had re- 
sponded in haste to his summons. 

“What is the matter. Breeze ?” asked the former. 


154 An Unwelcome Discovery. 

“Something has happened on shore, commodore, or 
else that there boat wouldn’t be a-coming off,” replied 
the skipper, pointing to the light craft. “See ! he’s wav- 
ing his hand at us now.” 

The oarsman had paused a moment to make some in- 
distinguishable signal; then, grasping t.he ashen blade 
once more, he was soon alongside. Not stopping to 
climb on board, he called out excitedly : 

“Come ashore, sir. Quick! Me and Jim have found 
a sailboat in that creek yonder, an’ it looks as if it has 
only been there a couple of days.” 

“Great gales ! ye don’t say so !” exclaimed the captain, 
glancing at Mr. Goodrich in astonishment. “What kind 
of a craft is it. Shannon ?” 

“It looks like one of them rough-built fishing smacks 
seen around Sandy Point, an’ seems to be about ten tons 
burden. The mast has been unstepped an’ stowed in the 
bushes close by, but the sails are gone.” 

Just then Lovering came up, and, on being informed 
of the discovery, recommended that the party should go 
ashore and look at the boat. His suggestion was acted 
upon at once. Jumping into the cutter, they .were rowed 
to the beach. 

The sailor left with the stores met them at the land- 
ing, and reported that he had heard a dog barking up the 
river. I'his new information did not tend to reassure 
them, and it was deemed advisable to take a couple of 
guns as an added protection. 

“The aborigines inhabiting this part of the island are 
not such treacherous savages as those found further to 


An Unwelcome Discovery. 155 

the south,” explained Mr. Goodrich, as they walked in 
the direction of the river bank. '‘But it is best to trust 
them as little as possible. I am sorry we are compelled 
to meet them this early in our trip.” 

“From what I have read of the race,” said Jack, “we 
need not expect to encounter very many at a time. They 
do not live in tribes or communities, but each family re- 
mains apart from the others, and only combine in small 
groups against some common enemy.” 

“Our danger will not come from them,” added Lover- 
ing, gravely. “This boat we are going to see means 
more to us than all the Yaghans, or whatever you call 
them, in Terra del Fuego.” 

“What do you think about it, George?” asked the 
middy, curiously, eying his friend in a peculiar manner 
as he spoke. 

“Can’t say,” was the laconic answer; then, evidently 
changing his mind, he added : “But it undoubtedly indi- 
cates the presence of civilized persons, and what would 
they be doing here if not on a similar errand to ours.” 

“By Jove ! I hope not !” exclaimed Jack, fervently. 

“That can hardly be. Lovering,” declared the old 
gentleman, decisively. “All those who knew of the cra- 
ter’s existence are dead.” 

The young surgeon did not reply, but tramped on 
through the grass as if he still had the courage of his 
convictions. George was a remarkably shrewd youth for 
his age, and one who believed firmly in the old adage that 
“silence is golden” until the time arrives to speak. 


156 An Unwelcome Discovery. 

After going a short distance beyond the river’s mouth, 
the sailor in the lead signified that they were almost there. 

Stepping cautiously, the party rounded a large clump 
of stunted trees, and saw the object of their search. It 
was hauled partially out of the water, and, as Shannon 
had described it, seemed to be a fishing smack built after 
a pattern in use on the Argentine coast. It appeared to 
be about twenty-five feet long, and probably eight wide. 
The stern was housed over in the form of a rude cabin, 
but from there forward, the hull was uncovered. Seats 
and rowlocks indicated that oars formed the motive 
power at times. A short distance away, however, the 
butt of a pine mast protruded from an evergreen thicket, 
where it had been stowed after unstepping. 

“This mark in the sand proves that it has not been 
here over three or four days,” remarked one of the men, 
pointing to a trail made by dragging the mast to the 
bushes. 

“You are right,” coincided the middy, stooping over 
and examining the furrow closely. “It could not have 
been longer than that at the most.” 

“What on ’arth did the lubbers try and hide the stick 
for, anyhow?” growled the skipper, disgustedly. 
“They’ve took the sails, an’ you can’t do anything with 
a bare pole.” 

“Shannon, you and Wilkins keep watch while we ex- 
amine her,” ordered Mr. Goodrich. “If you hear any 
peculiar noise, or that dog barking again, let us know at 
once.” 

It was an easy matter to scramble over the side of the 


An Unwelcome Discovery. 157 

craft, as she only stood a few feet above the sand. The 
entire party, with the exception of the two sailors, were 
speedily on the after-deck, curious to see what the cabin 
contained. Jack entered the little room first. It was 
only about nine feet long, and unlighted, save by a cir- 
cular hole cut in the roof, which had probably contained a 
stovepipe at some previous period. 

The only signs of furniture were a rude bunk on each 
side of the door, and a few rusty pans scattered about the 
deck. The place was foul and ill ventilated, and every 
one was satisfied with a cursory glance, except Gordon, 
who, before leaving the interior, poked under the bunks 
and made a general search for anything which would 
possibly prove the identity of the crew. The only article 
he found was a ragged shoe, evidently of European man- 
ufacture, which had been recently worn. Joining the 
others, he told them of his non-success. 

‘‘There is absolutely nothing in there except this,’^ he 
said, holding up the article; “but it is rather significant 
in dispelling any doubts as to the nationality of the visit- 
ors to our treasure island.” 

“This is a very serious discovery,” exclaimed Mr. Good- 
rich, gravely. “The finding of this boat means the pres- 
ence of others besides ourselves, and why they should 
come to such a desolate, out-of-the-way place, is the sus- 
picious part of it.” 

“Probably on the same errand,” quietly put in George, 
for the second time. 

The old gentleman gave him a troubled glance, and re- 


158 An Unwelcome Discovery. 

‘‘If that is the case, where did they discover the exist- 
ence of the gold? The only person who knew of it was 
this man Garcia, and he was drowned before our eyes/’ 

“I have certainly thought so all along, but finding this 
boat to-day reminds me that after the mutineers were 
capsized in the surf. I saw a dark object lying on the 
beach, which may have been one of them. I watched it 
through the glass, but it did not move while we were 
there ; still, whoever it was might have recovered later on. 
That Spaniard is like a cat, and has the proverbial nine 
lives, I believe.” 

“If we were positive of that, I would advise abandon- 
ing the expedition,” said the old gentleman. “He has a 
prior claim, no matter how much of a scoundrel he may 
be. He was one of the original discoverers, and is there- 
fore more entitled to it than we are.” 

“But we are not positive, sir,” expostulated the middy. 
“This is only conjecture, and the persons who came in 
this boat may be naturalists searching for new speci- 
mens, or a party of explorers.” 

“I wouldn’t advise doing that, sir,” added Lovering. 
“I think it would be folly to give up the treasure with- 
out further proof that Garcia is alive.” 

“Even if the blamed shark is above water, he don’t de- 
sarve anything, nohow,” chimed in Captain Breeze, who 
had been listening impatiently until now. “I don’t calc’- 
late a land-lubber like him has any rights at all. Didn’t 
he kill his mates, an’ hasn’t he tried to run away with the 
Marie? Then you talk about his claims — huh !” 

“Well, I suppose the majority rules,” consented Mr. 


159 


An Unwelcome Discovery. 

Goodrich, finally. “We will continue, but I reserve the 
right to re-open the question if any trace is discovered of 
Garcia.” 

“Now, this brings up another question,” said Jack, 
vastly relieved at the decision. “If the Spaniard is on 
the island, he must have a gang with him, as he could 
not have sailed the craft alone. If such is the case, it 
will be advisable to take more men with us.” 

“I do not like to do that,” replied Mr. Goodrich, 
anxiously. “It is best to have as large a force as pos- 
sible on the yacht. If this should happen to be Garcia, he 
might come back to the coast and cause trouble.” 

“Why not tow this boat out into the bay, and anchor 
her alongside the Marie?'' suggested the middy, sud- 
denly. “Then, if the crew returns, they will have to 
swim, and I don’t think many of them will fancy the 
water at this time of year. If they are friends, it will be 
an easy matter to give the craft back to them with ap- 
propriate explanations.” 

This was considered a good idea, and met with the ap- 
proval of all. It was decided to carry out the project 
at once, so Captain Breeze sent one of the sailors to the 
yacht for more men. While waiting for them, Lovering 
proposed to ascend the river bank for a couple of miles to 
see if any further signs could be discovered. Leaving 
the skipper and the other seaman in charge of the stores, 
they set out through the woods at a cautious walk, keep- 
ing a careful watch on both sides. There was no trace of 
a path, but by skirting the creek, advantage could be taken 
of comparatively level ground. The forest of evergreen, 


i6o An Unwelcome Discovery. 

beech and winter bark trees was not very extensive, and 
the greater part of the island appeared to be bare of 
foliage. 

After walking a long distance without finding anything 
of an alarming nature, they returned to the camp, rather 
relieved in mind. 


K 


CHAPTER XXIII. 


A MIDNIGHT ALARM. 

They found Captain Breeze actively superintending the 
launching of the boat. Two more men had landed from 
the Marie, making five with the skipper, so they had an 
easy task getting the light smack into the water. The 
quarter boat from the yacht had been brought up the little 
river abreast of the place, and with two seamen in her, 
was in readiness to take the other in tow. 

Placing his brawny shoulders against the bow, the cap- 
tain gave the word, and with a '‘one, two, three” they 
shoved the lumbering craft off the bank. 

The men in the quarter boat skillfully cast a line over 
the stempost and all were in readiness. 

“Tow her out near the yacht. Shannon,” the skipper 
sung out. “Anchor her hard an’ fast ; make sure o’ that.” 

“Ay, ay, sir !” came the answer, and before many min- 
utes the craft was well on its way to its new position. 

“A good job well done,” exclaimed Breeze, senten- 
tiously. “Now, if those lobscouse-eatin’ sharks, whoever 
they are, wants to board the Marie uninvited, they will 
have to swim. Be you goin’ to start to-day, com- 
modore ?” 

“I hardly know whether to comrnence our trip at once 
or not,” replied Mr. Goodrich, undecided. “This last in- 


i 62 


A Midnight Alarm. 


cident has made me rather uneasy. Although I know you 
are perfectly capable of watching over Marie and Man- 
chita, yet I hardly like to leave them while strangers are 
on the island.’’ 

“.Well, if they ever succeed in boardin’ the yacht, they’ll 
crawl over the corpse of William Breeze, A. B. You kin 
go an’ take two more men, commodore, an’ be perfectly at 
ease in your mind.” 

“We had better return to the yacht and talk it over,” 
finally said Mr. Goodrich. “Have your men move those 
stores down to the beach, where we can see them, and 
leave three on guard with loaded rifles. If we start, it 
will not before early to-morrow morning, anyway.” 

The quarter boat having returned by this time, all ex- 
cept those detailed embarked in her and pulled out to the 
Marie. After luncheon, the old gentleman, who had re- 
mained closeted in his private room for an hour, sent for 
the young officers. Bidding them be seated, he walked 
slowly up and down for several minutes before speaking. 

“Now, boys,” he said at last; “this expedition may be 
fraught with danger, as we don’t know who these new- 
comers are. But I am not worried about myself, as you 
know very well. It is the girls. I have been thinking it 
over this morning and have arrived at the conclusion that 
even if we do take more men, there will be sufficient left 
on board to defend the yacht ably. Besides Captain 
Breeze, who is a host in himself, there are Watts, Adams, 
William the cook, and four firemen, eight all told. With 
the vessel as a citadel, I think they can manage to hold 
their own.” 


163 


A Midnight Alarm. 

‘‘Yes, against treble their number,” agreed Jack. ‘‘And 
another thing, you mustn’t forget that the Marie can al- 
ways steam to sea in an emergency.” 

“Have you given Captain Breeze any instructions in 
case we do not return by the time decided upon?” asked 
George. 

“I have a written statement here,” replied the old gen- 
tleman, taking an envelope from a pigeonhole in his desk, 
“which gives my wishes in the matter. It tells him just 
how to act if we are not on board by the fifth day of next 
month. It is now the middle of July, so that will give 
us ample time. He is to leave a letter buried in a tin box 
under a certain bush near the beach, to be selected before 
we start, and steam without loss of time to Sandy Point. 
After securing ten or twelve more men there, and a friend 
of mine employed by a coal company, he is to return 
forthwith and dispatch another, or relief expedition after 
us. I have also inclosed a copy of the map and directions. 
That covers about everything, I believe. Now that we 
are to continue the trip, I think it will be advisable to be 
fully prepared for a start at daybreak to-morrow. Jack, 
you can select two more men from the crew, and continue 
your preparations. You will please excuse me for the 
present, boys, as I wish to have a talk with Marie.” 

The young officers left the cabin and went about their 
various duties. Lovering added a few medicines to his 
case, in view of the addition to their party, while Jack 
conferred with the skipper about matters in general. 
Shortly before sunset the middy went ashore, taking two 
additional guards and a small tent. He thought it best 


164 


A Midnight Alarm. 

to remain with the men, in view of a possible attack. Al- 
though nothing further had been heard of the strangers, 
still there was a probability they might be lurking in the 
neighborhood. 

The stores had been placed a short distance from the 
mouth of the river, on a slight elevation clear of shrub- 
bery, and in plain view from the yacht. At nightfall, 
Jack ordered a huge fire made of dry pieces of wood col- 
lected in the vicinity, and stationed two men, armed with 
Winchesters, near by. He divided his little force into two 
watches of two men each ; one standing guard until mid- 
night, and the other from that time until sunrise. The 
tent was pitched within half-a-dozen yards of the fire, 
and directly alongside of the stores. In it had been placed 
a couple of cots with sufficient bedding for protection 
against the cold. After seeing the men placed properly. 
Jack retired, leaving instructions to call him at the slight- 
est signs of unwelcome visitors. 

There was no moon, but a myriad of stars dotted the 
heavens with gleaming points of light, rendering objects 
distinguishable some distance away. Almost overhead 
glittered the four beautiful planets forming the Southern 
Cross, that emblem famous in all climes ; and old Ben, one 
of the first guards, paused now and again in his steady 
tramp around the camp to glance upward in admiration. 

Out in the bay the Marie rode quietly at anchor, plainly 
visible from the beach. Her black hull casting a smudge 
against the darker background of the sea, and with her 
graceful lines and delicate tracery of rigging, seeming 
only a ghostly visitant to that inhospitable coast. 


A Midnight Alarm. 


i6s 

It was cold, and a biting wind that had sprung up from 
the southward whistled through the stunted bushes and 
knocked unceasingly at the closed tent flaps with a gradu- 
ally increasing force. Suddenly, from the direction of the 
river, came the faint barking of a dog, causing Brett to 
halt and grasp his rifle with a firmer hold. 

The old sailor peered uneasily from side to side, then 
slipping over to his mate, who had unwittingly dozed off, 
woke him up with an impatient touch. 

^‘Rise out o’ there. Shannon ; something’s wrong. D’ye 
hear that noise ?” 

The sleepy sailor jumped to his feet in alarm, then, 
seeing Brett bending over him, asked what was the mat- 
ter in a voice rendered hoarse by the night air. Ben re- 
peated his words . 

Just then a slight rustling of the bushes near the tent 
was heard by both, and they caught sight of a grotesque 
face peering at them through the foliage. Without a mo- 
ment’s hesitation, Brett raised his rifle and pulled the 
trigger. 

The sharp report was immediately followed by a cry 
of agony, and a dark figure fell from the bush into the 
circle of light. It lay writhing on the ground, and 
moaned pitifully until Jack, who had hastily left his tent 
at the sound of the shot, approached to see who it was. 

One glance at the animal-like countenance, with its low 
brows and loose, wrinkled skin, showed that it was one 
of the Yaghans, or Fuegan natives. The coarse, unkempt 
hair, and black, restless eyes, very wide apart ; the head 
and chest disproportionately large, compared with the ex- 


A Midnight Alarm. 


1 66 

tremely slender limbs, could not be mistaken, and he or- 
dered the wounded creature carried closer to the fire. 

A slight examination showed that Ben’s shot had 
merely pierced the fleshy portion of the right arm, and al- 
though painful, it was not necessarily fatal. The middy 
felt vastly relieved on finding that it was not one of the 
suspected crew. 

He knew that his captive was comparatively harmless, 
and all they had to fear from his people would be thievery. 
A faint hail from the yacht interrupted his examination. 
It was Captain Breeze asking the cause of the disturb- 
ance. Several lights twinkling from various parts of the 
Marie's deck indicated that they had taken the alarm. 
Bidding Brett watch the Yaghan, Jack jumped into the 
light skiff and sculled off to the vessel. After a mo- 
ment’s explanation. Lovering accompanied him ashore 
with a case of instruments, and set about bandaging the 
wound. 


CHAPTER XXIV. 


ON THE MARCH. 

^'What rum-looking customers these natives are/’ said 
Lovering to Jack, pausing in his work to glance at the 
Yaghan’s face. ‘‘They represent almost the lowest order 
of humanity, and are considered nearly incapable of being 
civilized.” 

“They are not beauties, that’s certain,” replied the 
middy, gazing contemplatively at the subject of their 
criticism ; then turning quickly to the young surgeon, he 
added: “I say, George; I wonder if the fellow knows 
any Spanish. He may be able to give us some informa- 
tion about that other party.” 

Without waiting for an answer, he bent over the 
wounded man and asked, slowly and distinctly: 

'"Se habla Espanolf (Do you speak Spanish?)” 

The native’s countenance brightened slightly, but he 
did not reply. Jack repeated his question. This time the 
Yaghan muttered a few words, partly Spanish and partly 
a native dialect, which the middy interpreted to mean that 
he understood him. 

He seemed to be still suffering from his wound, but 
the lexpression of terror, caused by his capture, was gone. 
They had placed him on a pile of blankets near the fire, 
.where the genial warmth made him comfortable, and, al- 


i68 


On the March. 


though closely guarded, still he could plainly see he was 
in no danger. 

Jack persisted in his attempt to make him talk, and 
finally managed to ascertain that he had seen the men on 
the previous day. It required great patience to extract 
from the mass of Yaghan patois the few Spanish sen- 
tences he knew, but at last the middy pieced together the 
following information : 

His name was, as near as Gordon could spell it. War- 
oka. He resided, when at home, near the mountains, but 
had gone away several days previous, to hunt guanacos. 
While hiding behind a huge rock the morning before, he 
had seen a party of ''kolpei” (white men), traveling 
toward the highlands. He naively confessed being so 
frightened that he did not stop to count them, but there 
were more than this (holding up five fingers). 

On being asked whether they carried many weapons he 
answered that each man had one “fire stick,” and the 
leader a large cuchillo (knife). Finally, he explained 
that he had come to the coast to see if the other party had 
left anything worth stealing. 

“An honest confession, by Jove!” laughed George. - 
“He must be the Fuegan George Washington. I wonder 
how he picked up his Spanish ?” 

“Probably made several trips across the straits to Sandy 
Point. These people are half Patagonians, anyway. 
Well, we have learned something, and the labor is not 
wasted. There are over five men two days ahead of us. 
That probably means trouble, old boy, and we are not 
going to secure the treasure without a fight. However, 


On the March. 


169 


we will talk that over later. It is now twelve o’clock, and 
Mr. Goodrich will be ashore at half-past four, so we had 
better turn in for a couple of winks.” 

Jack explained to Waroka as well a 3 he could that, if he 
remained quiet and did not try to escape, no harm would 
befall him. Then, after seeing the relief guard posted, he 
retired for the second time that night. Both he and 
George slept soundly until one of the men called them to 
say that Captain Breeze had hailed the camp. Tumbling 
hastily out of the cots, they left the tent and found that it 
was almost daylight. 

Stepping down on the beach. Jack waved his hand at a 
figure standing on the quarter deck. The action was im- 
mediately responded to, and then he could hear the skip- 
per’s voice bidding them come on board at once. Telling 
Brett to keep careful watch over the prisoner, he and 
George rowed oil to the yacht. 

'The commodore is up this half hour, an’ wants ye to 
be ready to leave as soon as ye have breakfast,” said 
Breeze, meeting them at the gangway. “He’s fixed up 
an’ anxious to start.” 

“Have the young ladies left their cabin yet ?” asked the 
middy. 

“I reckon ye’ll find them all prepared to say adoo,” re- 
plied the skipper, smiling broadly. “Marie was up here 
several minutes ago, saying she wanted to see the sun 
rise, but I s’pose she was kinder mixed up, because she 
looked in the direction of the camp, which is nearly west, 
isn’t it?” 

But Jack had hurried aft, followed by Lovering, who 


IJO 


On tlie March. 


laughed softly to himself at his friend's glowing cheeks. 
On gaining the saloon they found Mr. Goodrich and the 
two girls evidently awaiting them. Breakfast was on the 
table, and after a moment’s conversation, they sat down to 
what would probably be their last civilized meal for some 
weeks. 

The old gentleman seemed preoccupied and did not talk 
much, but the young officers were in the best of spirits. 
Lovering appeared especially cheerful, and by his witty 
remarks soon dispelled the slight gloom caused by their 
impending departure. To his great disgust, Jack was 
compelled to leave before the others to attend to some final 
arrangements on deck. 

By the time they had finished he was ready with the 
boat to make the last trip ashore. Seeing Sam Sorreltop 
and Shag, who were to accompany them, in the bow, he 
returned to the deck and bade Marie and Manchita good- 
by. It was not a very exhilarating ceremony, and all 
were glad when it had passed. Leaving the girls alter- 
nately waving their handkerchiefs and drying their tears, 
the party pulled to the beach. 

Captain Breeze landed with them to receive his final in- 
structions. The big-hearted sailor did not look overjoyed 
at the parting, but, by dint of much fault-finding with the 
crew and other flimsy pretenses, he managed to partially 
conceal his emotion. Shortly before starting. Jack held 
an interesting interview with Waroka, the Yaghan, and 
by the promise of innumerable tenpenny nails and other 
Fuegan articles of vertu, persuaded him to accompany the 


On the March. 


171 

expedition as guide, Lovering having stated that his arm 
would soon heal in that climate. 

At the middy’s command the men broke camp and 
shouldered their burdens. There were now eight all told 
in the party, not including the dog, and they made a 
rather formidable appearance when arrayed in marching 
order. Each man carried a Winchester in addition 
to his revolver, with plenty of ammunition. There were 
plenty of canned meats, vegetables, hard bread and cof- 
fee to last them at least three weeks, while Sam carried 
a varied collection of pots and tinware amply sufficient 
for their needs. 

The bedding consisted of blankets with small army 
tents, to be used, if necessary. The latter article was only 
a square piece of light canvas, just large enough to cover 
one man, and weighing but little. It was supposed to be 
suspended over a line stretched between two trees or on 
sticks cut for the purpose. The rope required for cross- 
ing the chasm of the black pit had been divided into dif- 
ferent parts, one to every man except Mr. Goodrich and 
the native. 

After seeing everything in readiness. Jack gave the 
word and the expedition started on its momentous jour- 
ney. They had hardly gone ten steps before the loud 
report of a cannon sounded, and on hastily looking back, 
they saw Captain Breeze waving his hat and pointing 
toward the yacht. A white film of smoke was curling 
above the forward deck, and from each masthead 
streamed an American flag. The faint echo of a cheer 


172 


On the March. 


also came to their ears, repeated several times. It was 
the skipper’s godspeed. 

Waving their hands in return, they plunged into the 
depths of an evergreen forest, and soon lost sight of the 
coast. Waroka took the lead and struck out in a south- 
westerly direction, closely followed by the rest. 

During the first hour progress was easy, as the thinly- 
scattered trees offered no obstacle. But, after marching 
two or three miles, they emerged on one of the pampas or 
vast plains, stretching to where could be seen the faint 
outlines of their objective point — the mountains. As far 
as the eye could reach, not a tree was visible ahead of 
them, but under foot spread a rank carpet of tall, wiry 
grass, which clung to the legs and rendered walking diffi- 
cult. However, plodding slowly along, with an occa- 
sional halt for a few minutes’ rest, they at last came to 
the bank of a narrow stream running across their path. 
It was necessary to ford it, so, first ascertaining its shal- 
low depth, the party stepped boldly in and reached the 
other side without mishap. 

As it was nearly noon, Mr. Goodrich gave orders to 
prepare dinner. Now began Sam’s important functions. 
As yet he had not displayed an overweening joy at form- 
ing one of the party, but when he saw the deep interest 
manifested in his skillful manipulation of the pots and 
kettles, he brightened visibly, and set about his task with 
a vigor which promised satisfactory results. 

"‘Do you miss the fine linen of the yacht, Jack?” asked 
the old gentleman, with a wink at Lovering. 


On the March. 


173 


‘‘Not by a jug-full,” replied the middy, emphatically, 
from his seat on a grassy knoll. Pausing to help himself 
to a generous quantity of potted ham, he continued: 
”This suits me all over. If it wasn’t for the cold, I 
would like to camp out all the year.” 

‘‘Yes ; that is the only drawback down here,” said Lov- 
ering, tossing a biscuit to Shag. “It is like taking an out- 
ing in December ; but if we don’t have snow, we shall do 
well enough.” 

At one o’clock they resumed the march, and walked 
steadily until dark. Selecting a spot somewhat protected 
by a slight elevation of the ground, the tents were pitched 
in a semi-circle around a huge fire, and supper prepared. 
Sam brewed a pot of coffee, and warmed the canned pro- 
visions, which, together with some preserved fruits 
brought for the first day’s trip, proved extremely palatable 
to the hungry men. 

The party was divided into three watches of two men 
each, Mr. Goodrich not forming one of the detail by mu- 
tual consent. It was considered best to keep a careful 
lookout, in view of the fact that strangers might possibly 
be in the neighborhood. After all arrangements were 
made for the night, those not on guard retired, and the 
camp was soon buried in slumber. 

Next morning all hands were called at daybreak, and 
the march resumed. 

For the following three days nothing occurred worthy 
of note. The aspect of the country changed on approach- 
ing the mountains, the level plains breaking up into a 


174 


On the March. 


series of rugged bluffs and deep ravines, which the party 
skirted, under the successful guidance of Waroka. 

On the evening of the third day, while following a nar- 
row passage, they suddenly came upon a yawning chasm, 
effectually blocking farther progress. On both sides 
loomed immense walls of granite, up to where, far over- 
head, gleamed a stretch of blue sky. No foothold was 
possible on the polished surface ; no living being could 
scale the imperturbable barrier placed at the gate of their 
goal by some titanic hand. They halted, and silently 
gazed into the impenetrable depths of the crevice, know- 
ing that at last the mysterious black pit of Bill Wilson’s 
chronicle had been reached. 

It appeared to be at least fifty feet wide, and extended 
as far as the eye could reach in both directions. On look- 
ing down they saw that the opposite wall sloped toward 
them and passed beneath the ledge on which they were 
standing. It was a very peculiar formation, and seemed 
to be simply a slanting crack in the solid rock. There 
was no possibility of ascertaining the depth, nor could 
they see more than a few yards into the interior. While 
bending over, a sudden blast of hot air came from below, 
causing them to start back in alarm. It only lasted a mo- 
ment, however, and then the passage again took on the 
chill of an antarctic winter. 

There was room enough to camp, and as darkness was 
coming on apace, they decided to remain there until the 
following day. Jack had the watch until three with 
Shannon, at which time he was to call Lovering. A fire 
had not been lighted from precautionary reasons, and the 


On the March. 


17s 


cold in the wind-swept passage was extreme. While 
walking up and down to promote warmth, the middy hap- 
pened to approach a slight turn in the path, and glancing 
across the pit, suddenly noticed the reddish glow of a 
campfire reflected on the opposite wall. 


CHAPTER XXV. 


A SHOT IN THE DARK. 

When Jack saw the reflection of a campfire on the 
other side of the chasm, he instantly concluded it had been 
kindled by the unknown visitors whose boat had been 
found in the river. The discovery was not an unwelcome 
one to the middy, as he knew an encounter must take place 
before long, and he was naturally curious to ascertain 
who they were. If it proved to be the Spaniard, it was 
well the affair was settled one way or the other. And, 
on the other hand, if they turned out to be only a party of 
inoffensive scientists, then all anxiety would be over. 

Where the Goodrich expedition had pitched their tents 
was an open space only a few yards distant from the crev- 
ice, but hidden by a curve in the wall. There was no pos- 
sibility of it being reached without first passing the 
chasm, and as yet Gordon had not seen any trace of a rope 
or other means for crossing. 

As there was no immediate cause for danger. Jack did 
not awaken the camp, but concluded to go on a quiet 
scout and see if he could ascertain anything. Bidding 
Shannon keep a sharp lookout, the middy saw to his 
weapons and crept up the passage, hugging the deep 
shadows of the rocky wall. 

A full moon had risen several hours previous, and its 


A Shot in the Dark. 


177 


mellow rays filtered down through the opening between 
the cliffs, rendering objects plainly distinct. Directly 
ahead flickered the telltale glow of the campfire, casting 
fantastic figures on the rugged sides, and causing him to 
see a possible enemy in ever nook and cranny. 

On reaching the edge of the mysterious pit. Jack 
glanced into its depths, but saw nothing save a black, un- 
fathomable abyss. It seemed as if the light from above 
did not penetrate a yard, so gloomy was the interior. On 
the other side the passage continued only a short dis- 
tance, and then made an abrupt turn to the right. It 
was here the reflection could be seen, indicating that the 
camp was not far beyond. From his position the middy 
looked warily across and listened intently. He had 
heard no sound, either of voices or anything else, indica- 
ting the proximity of neighbors. It was strange, as the 
tunnel-like passage would carry noises a long distance. 

Curiosity getting the better of his judgment, he stepped 
boldly out into the full glare of the moon. Just as he did 
so, a confused murmur came to his ears, and two men 
walked into plain view on the other side of the pit. Jack 
attempted to jump back into the shadows again, but was 
too late. One of them saw him, and uttering an exclama- 
tion of surprise, pointed a revolver in his direction. Be- 
fore he could discharge it, however, the middy fell pros- 
trate on the ground and wriggled into a place of safety 
behind a projecting spur of rock. It was rather an un- 
dignified movement, but it answered the purpose, and 
.when the bullet struck over his head with an angry spat 


178 A Shot in the Dark. 

a second later, Gordon congratulated himself on his nar- 
row escape. 

Peering cautiously from behind the shelter, he saw the 
men hurrying toward the curve leading to their camp. 
By the faint light of the moon they appeared to be 
roughly clad, and were evidently sailors. Before Jack 
could catch sight of their faces they had disappeared from 
view. 

Rising to his feet he started back with the intention of 
alarming the rest, but the report of the pistol had already 
accomplished that. Before he had gone a dozen steps he 
heard several persons running on the rocky surface of the 
passage, and then Mr. Goodrich, followed by Lovering 
and old Brett, joined him. 

“Who was it fired that shot? Are you hurt, Jack?’' 
asked the two first in a breath. 

Not stopping to reply, the middy hurriedly pushed them 
back out of range; then jerking his thumb over his shoul- 
der, said, emphatically : 

“Those people who came in that fishing smack are over 
there and they just fired at me. I only saw two, but 
there are probably more at their camp.” 

He then explained how he had discovered the fire, and 
what immediately followed. 

While Jack was speaking. Lovering walked to where he 
could see the crevice, and reported the passage empty, but 
the reflection of the fire had died away. It was now al- 
most dark in that direction, only a few pale rays sifting 
down from above, marking the gloomy sides with a quaint 
network of silvery bars. The weather had turned bitterly 


A Shot in the Dark. 


179 


cold since sunset, and an icy wind swept down the pas- 
sage, causing those who had left warm and comfortable 
beds to shiver in spite of their heavy coats. 

“How do you suppose those people got over there?” 
asked Mr. Goodrich. “We did not see a rope or any 
other means for crossing this afternoon.” 

“That is the most mysterious part of it,” replied Jack. 
“It cannot be possible there is another passage near here. 
Where is Waroka? he will know.” 

Leaving Brett on guard at the curve, with strict in- 
structions to report the first sign of the enemy, they with- 
drew to the camp in search of the native. In reply to 
their question, the Yaghan, who had become thoroughly 
accustomed to his new position, said he knew of no other 
way to pass the mountains, except by the narrow slit they 
were then in. 

He showed such a strong dislike to the subject that 
Lovering asked him his reasons, shrewdly suspecting 
there was some superstitious feeling connected with it. 
Waroka demurred at first, but finally explained that this 
particular mountain peak was inhabited by “fire-devils,” 
who destroyed all who came in their way with scorching 
flames. Continuing, he said they had hewn the chasm to 
mark the boundary of their domains, and that very few 
of his tribe could be induced to come even this far. When 
told by Jack that it was the intention of the expedition to 
press on into the very interior, he exhibited great alarm, 
and begged them to not go another step farther, as their 
lives would surely pay the forfeit. 

“The fellow is evidently in earnest,” said George. 


i8o 


A Shot in the Dark. 


“But I am afraid his wonderful story will not deter us. 
One thing is certain, however; we will lose his valuable 
services as soon as we start.” 

“The question is, when will that be?” replied Mr. Good- 
rich. “These neighbors of ours undoubtedly hold the 
fort, and it will be impossible to cross the pit while they 
stand guard. I think we had better wait until daylight 
before making a move. We can then scout around and 
see how the land lays.” 

“If we can manage to ascend the cliff, and then cross 
over by ropes, we shall have that other party at our 
mercy,” suggested Jack, with the air of a professional 
tactician. “Why, they would be like rats in a trap, and 
we could dictate our ” 

He was suddenly interrupted by the barking of a dog 
from up the passage. Then, immediately following, came 
the loud report of a Winchester, and Brett was seen ad- 
vancing toward them, evidently very much excited. They 
ran to meet him, and on approaching near enough, saw 
that his rifle was still smoking. Shag kept close to his 
heels, but they could see him look back and growl fe- 
rociously. After pausing to take breath;' the old sailor 
reported that, while watching the continuation of the pas- 
sage on the other side of the pit, he had seen a man’s head 
project around the curve, close to the ground. 

“There was a leetle ray of light just there, an’ I got a 
good glimpse of him,” he continued ; “an’ do you believe, 
he looked just like that shark who was aboard the Marie. 
I swear if it didn’t take the wind out o’ me. Before I 
had time to get over the surprise, the face went away 


A Shot in the Dark. i8i 

agin, but another black-whiskered monkey peeked around. 
I didn’t do anything yet, but just waited for a better 
chance. It kim before long. Seein’ there was no one in 
view, this last fellow stepped out as pert as you please. 
Then Shag saw him an’ barked, an’ I let drive in a hurry, 
but can’t say whether I hulled him or not.” 

"‘You say it looked like Garcia, or Lopez, the Spaniard 
who seized the yacht ?” asked Mr. Goodrich, gravely, with 
a glance at the young officers. 

“As near as I could make out in the oncertain light. 
But as that dago is at the bottom of the sea, it couldn’t 
be him very well. This here man had the same kind o’ 
face an’ hair, howsomever, an’ the ’semblance was close 
enough to give me a shock.” 

Bidding him to return to his post, the old gentleman 
walked slowly in the same direction, followed by Lover- 
ing and Jack. 

“Well, I suppose the question about giving up the ex- 
pedition is again in order?” ventured George, with a sly 
glance at Mr. Goodrich’s face. 

“No; I have quite made up my mind to go through 
with it now,” replied the latter. “I feel that the Span- 
iard, if alive, has no better claim to the treasure than we. 
He voluntarily gave you the secret, and then stole the 
plans again when he could have had them for the asking. 
He has murdered and robbed and acted in a manner that 
entitles him to the short end of a rope only, and I am 
sorry he is not in a legal executioner’s hands at this 
minute.” 

This decided change in the old gentleman’s views 


183 


A Shot in the Dark. 


greatly relieved Jack and Lovering. They had long since 
felt in the matter as he had just expressed it, and the 
middy voiced the sentiments of both by saying that they 
could find a more beneficial use for the wealth than 
Garcia. 

On reaching the turn in the passage they threw them- 
selves on the ground in the darkest shadow, and peered 
cautiously ahead. Brett’s shot had evidently frightened 
the enemy, as nothing could be seen of them. After 
watching carefully for fifteen or twenty minutes they re- 
turned to the camp and arranged a regular relief guard 
for the balance of the night. 

It was now past four, and there still remained some 
two hours of darkness. None felt inclined to sleep, so 
they sat in a little nook out of the wind, and covering 
themselves with blankets, conversed until the first gray 
streaks of dawn penetrated the morning mists, proclaim- 
ing the coming of day. 


CHAPTER XXVL 


ACROSS THE CHASM. 

‘‘Waroka tells me we can find a split in the right wall 
half a mile back, which will lead us to the top of the cliff,’" 
said Jack, shortly after daybreak. “He says it is con- 
cealed behind a mass of vines, and would not be noticed 
by a person in passing.” 

“We will try it,” replied Mr. Goodrich, briefly. 

At first it was decided to leave the stores in charge of 
a couple of guards where they had camped, but the pos- 
sibility of the other party crossing to their side by 
some unknown means caused the old gentleman to take 
every one with him. 

The tents and other articles were accordingly repacked, 
and the expedition retraced their steps to the place indi- 
cated by the native. 

As he had stated, it was simply a narrow crack in the 
rocky face of the precipice, just broad enough to admit 
one person at a time. The dirt and other debris from 
above had partially filled the farther end, forming a slope 
comparatively easy of ascent. The Yaghan led the way, 
and after a half hour’s scrambling, they reached the top 
of the cliff, out of breath, but victorious. 

The height must have been fully two hundred feet, no 
small elevation to climb under such circumstances. Shag 


184 


Across the Chasm. 


was the only member of the party that did not feel fa- 
tigued. He treated it as a frolic especially originated for 
his amusement, and showed his appreciation with sundry 
wags of his tail. 

After pausing to rest for a few moments, they started 
along the top of the precipice to the pit. The surface 
seemed fairly level, only broken now and again by a slight 
seam easily crossed, or a miniature ridge of no moment. 
On both sides the cliff stretched as far as the eye could 
see, but in front a lofty mountain peak offered an in- 
superable barrier against which there was no advance. 

It had grown warmer since sunrise, and the day prom- 
ised to be clear and fair. This was a decided relief from 
the discomforts of the previous night, and it had a cheer- 
ing effect upon all. Skirting the top of the passage, the 
expedition finally arrived at the edge of the other crevice, 
and halted to consider the best method for crossing. It 
was no easy task, as the distance was a sheer twenty 
yards at the narrowest portion, and it had to be accom- 
plished with the sole aid of a rope. 

“Now, the question is, how are we going to stretch 
this line?” asked the old gentleman, rather blankly. 
“There are no kind friends to tie the other end for us, 
even if we succeed in throwing it across. Here, Brett, 
you are an old sailor; what do you recommend?” 

Ben scratched his head and glanced at the yawning 
chasm for a moment, then going a short distance toward 
the right, looked long and earnestly at an object on the 
opposite side. Finally returning to Mr. Goodrich, he re- 


Across the Chasm. 185 

'‘It’s ruther a ticklish job, sir, but I’ll see what I can 
do.” 

Taking each separate piece of rope brought from the 
yacht, he tied them together, and, making a “dead” noose 
or permanent loop at one end, walked back to the place 
he had selected. In the meantime, on Lovering’s sugges- 
tion, a man was stationed at a point overlooking the 
passage where the enemy had been seen. He was in- 
structed to keep in out of view, and to report instantly 
on sighting any one. The entire party, with the excep- 
tion of the man on guard, followed Brett to see how he 
intended to bridge the abyss. 

The old sailor carefully coiled the rope over his left 
arm; then, grasping the loop near the knot, whirled it 
around his head with great force, and let fly. Those 
standing near breathlessly watched the noose circle 
through the air, nearer and yet nearer the opposite side, 
until, guided by an unerring hand, it finally settled down 
over a projecting point of rock. It was a magnificent 
effort, and proved successful at the first trial. Several 
sharp tugs on the line did not loosen the anchorage, so, 
fastening the other end, old Brett, reported it ready for 
crossing. 

“Being as how I’ve rigged the stay, I make bold to ask 
permission to go over first,” he added, apologetically. 
“An’ furthermore, if it carries my weight, all the rest of 
you needn’t fear.” 

Mr. Goodrich thought it best to send a smaller man, but 
Ben pushed his claim so strenuously that he consented. 
Tying a light rope around his shoulder, he cautiously 


i86 


Across the Chasm. 


lowered himself over the side of the chasm, and slowly 
worked his way, hand over hand, across to the other end. 
The line sagged to such an extent that he was compelled 
to haul his entire weight up an almost perpendicular as- 
cent, but by using his feet against the rough sides he at 
last clambered on the rocky surface in safety. 

After resting a moment, Brett rigged a pulley he had 
brought with him to the spur, and soon had a boatswain's 
chair ready for operation. The chair, so called, only 
consisted of a flat board suspended by two short pieces to 
runners working on the main rope. Jack seated him- 
self in the novel vehicle, and was pulled across by Ben. 
Then Lovering followed, and Anally all save Shannon 
passed in safety. The latter had been selected to remain 
behind and guard the bridge in case the natives discov- 
ered its existence. He was given sufficient food and bed- 
ding, as well as all the shelter tents, and also allowed to 
retain Shag as an assistant. 

Waroka would not cross with the party under any con- 
sideration, but promised to remain several days with 
Shannon. There was little chance of companionship be- 
tween them, as neither understood the other's language; 
but, as the Irishman said, “the soight of a human phiz 
now an’ agin is better than nothin', even if it is a monkey- 
faced ape loike Waroka.” 

The place they now found themselves in was only a 
couple of hundred yards from the passage where the re- 
flection of the camp-fire had been seen by Jack. By 
walking that distance they could look directly down upon 
the strangers who had fired the shot. Bidding the others 


Across the Chasm. 187 

wait near the rope. Mr. Goodrich and the young officers 
advanced cautiously to the crevice, and, preparing their 
weapons for immediate use, peered over the edge. 

The strangers were gone ! 

As far as the watchers could see, the passage was en- 
tirely deserted, but directly beneath them were strewn the 
remains of the camp. Half-burnt fragments of wood, an 
empty can, and an old piece of canvas formed the only 
objects visible. 

“By Jove! they have skipped out!” exclaimed Jack, dis- 
appointed. “They must have gone up the passage to- 
ward the crater. Whoever it is, they must know what 
we are after, and are trying to get ahead of us.” 

“That is about it,” coincided Mr. Goodrich. “They 
must have knowledge of the treasure, and therefore wish 
to reach the place first. Well, we have gone too far to 
give up without a struggle. No time is to be lost. Once 
down below there, the rest will be plain sailing.” 

Suddenly Lovering, who had been walking along the 
edge a short distance, called out that he could see a de- 
pression in the cliff that would materially shorten the dis- 
tance to the bottom. 

“By using the rope stretched across the pit, we can 
lower ourselves down here and follow that other party 
at once,” he continued, pointing out the spot indicated. 
“We can leave the smaller line, and by that have the 
means to rig the bridge again.” 

His plan was adopted at once. Returning to where old 
Brett and the others had been stationed. Jack explained to 
the sailor what they wished. It required but a few 


i88 


Across the Chasm. 


minutes to accomplish the change, and presently the party 
had at their command an easy method of continuing the 
journey. 

“Bill Wilson’s head was level when he recommended 
the use of a ten-fathom rope,” said Gordon, while they 
were preparing to descend. 

“But he did not mean his good advice for us,” said 
George, with a smile. “I am afraid he would have 
omitted that item if he had only known the ultimate 
destination of his plan.” 

“Do you think it is advisable to leave any one on this 
side of the pit?” asked Mr. Goodrich. 

“Most certainly, sir,” replied Jack, emphatically. “With 
one man here to haul up the rope after we are gone, our 
system of retreat will be perfect. If we leave it dangling 
down within reach of anybody, our friends, the enemy, 
may return and utilize it to our discomfiture. I think 
Wilkins is the best man to remain in charge.” 

“That will leave us Brett and Sam ; five all told. Well, 
I suppose you are right, my boy. Come to look at it, the 
idea is really a good one, and we will know that our way 
out of the place is secured.” 

Wilkins was accordingly given his instructions, and the 
fact impressed on him that his new duties were of the 
greatest importance. Provisions for several days were 
left, and, at George’s advice, one of the shelter tents was 
hauled over on the line still stretched across the pit. 

After calling to Shannon, and advising him of the 
new arrangements, the remaining members of the party 
descended the rope into the passage. It was simply a 


Across the Chasm. 


189 

continuation of the one on the other side of the chasm, 
and of the same rocky formation. After passing the 
curve, it ran straight ahead for several hundred yards, 
and then made another abrupt detour. They noticed that 
the further they went, the higher the walls became on 
both sides, until at last, after traveling a mile, only a 
narrow crack could be seen above. 

The interior grew dark and gloomy, and a cold wind, 
which had commenced to blow since the party entered 
the passage, caused them to button their heavy coats more 
closely. 

The advance was made with extreme caution. There 
were ample facilities for successful ambuscades, and, since 
the episode of the night before, it was reasonable to ex- 
pect one. Every little while they would halt, and listen 
for sounds of those in front, but nothing came to their 
ears except an occasional murmur of the wind blowing 
overhead. 

“The plan says this opening leading to the crater 
branches off the main passage two miles from the black 
pit, doesn’t it?” whispered George, after they had gone 
almost that distance. 

“Yes; if I remember rightly, it reads that way,” re- 
plied Jack. “We ought to be there now.” 

Almost as he spoke, old Brett, who was a short dis- 
tance in advance, halted and pointed to a cavity in the 
left wall. A brief examination proved it to be the en- 
trance to the tunnel. 

“It doesn’t look altogether inviting,” remarked Mr. 
Goodrich, vainly endeavoring to pierce the impenetrable 


190 


Across the Chasm. 


gloom of the interior. “If we could only carry lights, it 
would be more satisfactory.’’ 

“We could travel faster, of course,” replied Lovering; 
“but it would be only a beacon for our unknown com- 
petitors, and form a guide for their unfriendly bullets. 
No, I am afraid we will have to trust to our hands and 
feet.” 

“There is not a bit of air coming through the opening,” 
said Jack, who had walked several feet inside. “It is as 
warm as toast, too. I suppose that goes to show there is 
no exit at the other end. See how the wind blows out 
there, and then compare it with this.” 

“There can be no mistake about this being the tunnel 
mentioned on the map?” ventured the old gentleman, 
doubtfully. 

“Oh, no ! this must be the one,” decided George. “We 
have undoubtedly come two miles from the black pit, and 
this is the only opening on the left that I can see. Any- 
way, it won’t do any harm to explore it.” 


CHAPTER XXVII. 


IN THE TUNNEE. 

Before entering, Jack looked at his watch. It was just 
ten o’clock; four hours since they broke camp on the 
other side of the chasm. There still remained ample 
time to go some distance and back to the rope before 
nightfall, although there was no necessity for returning 
by that time. The party had plenty of provisions, and 
from the whiff they received at the mouth of the opening, 
there would be no immediate need of fire for heating pur- 
poses. 

The tunnel looked so dark and forbidding that Gordon, 
producing a strong cord from his pocket, advised each 
one to hold it to keep from being separated from the 
others while on the march. Taking the lead, he gave the 
word, and they passed, single file, into the interior. 

The progress was slow at first, on account of the ex- 
treme darkness encountered after leaving the passage. 
The floor seemed smooth enough, and proved far superior 
to the pampas over which they had traveled coming from 
the coast. As Jack had said, there was not the least 
draught of air blowing in their direction, and the atmos- 
phere seemed warm and vapid; so much so, in fact, that 
they were soon forced to remove their heavy coats. 

The gloom deepened as they progressed further from 


192 


In the Tunnel. 


the entrance, until at last it was mere groping in the 
dark, and each step had to be made with caution. All 
carried their revolvers in readiness for instant use, and 
Sam, who brought up the rear, was given a lantern and 
matches to furnish a light if needed. The tunnel seemed 
to wind in diverse turns almost from the beginning, and 
in one place Lovering declared it had crossed above itself 
without apparent cause. They kept close to the right 
wall, being careful, however, to avoid coming in contact 
with possible projecting spurs of rock, but as yet the 
passage seemed remarkably free from obstacles. 

“I believe this has been partially, if not entirely, quar- 
ried out, George,” whispered Gordon to his next neigh- 
bor, the young surgeon. 

“It is possible, but it must have been a stupendous 
task, and taken years of hard labor to accomplish. We 
have traveled at least a quarter of a mile already, and the 
end is not yet. I confess I am getting rather tired of 
this blind-man’s-buff style, and wish it would develop 
into livelier action.” 

“Have you noticed the increase in warmth? I think 
the temperature has risen steadily since we entered, and 
if it continues to do so much longer, we will melt, and run 
the rest of the way.” 

Lovering laughed, and plodded after the middy. Mr. 
Goodrich had not spoken for some time, but they could 
hear him utter a prolonged “Phew!” expressive of the 
heat every little while. Sam appeared the only one satis- 
fied with the change, and even he at last ceased his char- 
acteristic expressions of content. 


In the Tunnel. 


193 


Another alarming discovery made *was the peculiar 
condition of the air. It had grown so foul and dense that 
difficulty was experienced in breathing, and the young 
leader finally called a halt consult with the others. 
They drew up close to the wall, and, putting down their 
knapsacks and guns, rested while the matter was dis- 
cussed. 

“We cannot stand this much longer, I am afraid,” be- 
gan Jack, wiping his face for the hundredth time. “The 
heat is bad enough, but this atmosphere would kill a 
horse. Sometimes it reminds me of a ship’s bilge badly 
in need of renovation. And the trouble is, the further 
we go the worse it becomes.” 

“It is very similar to abandoned mines partly filled with 
stagnant water,” said the old gentleman. “But we had 
better try a little longer, perhaps the air may change; 
anyway, it is still — what noise is that?” 

A peculiar rattling, as if from heavy shoes running on 
the rocky floor, came to their ears. At first it was faint 
and barely perceptible, but as they listened with bated 
breath, it increased until it sounded close at hand, and 
then, to their astonishment and momentary terror, some 
unseen object brushed past and continued down the 
tunnel. 

That it was a man they knew from several exclamations 
of fright heard while he was near. The exclamations 
were in Spanish, and betokened extreme fear. Before 
they recovered sufficiently from their surprise to speak, 
the noise had died away in the distance. 


194 


In the Tunnel. 


“What was that?” gasped George, feeling around to 
see if the others were still with him. 

“Some fellow in a hurry, I reckon,” coolly replied 
Jack, lowering his revolver, which he had leveled at the 
first indication of danger. “I think it was one of the 
party we ran across last night, and from all appearances 
they have encountered a decided opposition to their little 
scheme. It is just possible the others will be along pres- 
ently.” 

Just then Brett called out that Sam had disappeared. 
Jack hurried back to the old sailor’s side, and, reaching 
out in the darkness, endeavored to find the negro lad. 

“When did you first discover his absence ?” he asked. 

“Just this very minute. He was here alongside of me 
before that thing runned past, but when I turned around 
to tell him to not be skeered, he didn’t answer, an’, on 
groping for him, I touched nothing but the wall and 
floor. It’s my opinion he’s keeled over from fright, or 
run away.” 

“Sam ! O, Sam ! where are you ?” cried Gordon, cau- 
tiously. The sound, slight as it was, echoed from side to 
side of the narrow space with alarming intensity. 

“This will never do,” exclaimed Lovering, in annoy- 
ance. “We are liable to bring a host of those people 
about our ears at any moment. The best plan is to turn 
back until we find him, and then proceed again.” 

The young surgeon’s advice was taken, and, searching 
every foot of the way, they retreated down the passage. 
Suddenly Ben, who was in advance, struck something 
with his foot, and nearly fell prostrate. A dismal groan 


In the Tunnel. 


195 

came from beneath him, and, stooping over, he lifted up 
the object. 

It was Sam ! 

‘‘Oh ! please, mister cannibal, don’t eat me. I’se tough 
like cowhide, ’deed I is,” wailed the terrified boy, strug- 
gling to free himself from the sailor’s strong grasp. 

Giving him a shake, Ben told him to stand on his feet 
and keep quiet. 

“What do you mean by running away like that?” de- 
manded Mr. Goodrich, sternly. “I am almost deter- 
mined to send you back to the passage. For shame ! to 
get frightened like that !” 

Poor Sam made no reply, but clung fast to Brett’s arm, 
and followed the party in deep humiliation. Returning to 
the spot where they had left the knapsacks, they donned 
them again, and continued the march up the tunnel. 
Even greater care was exercised in walking, if possible, 
and, enduring the heat and vapid air as best they could, 
the expedition proceeded in silence. 

Presently a gradual brightening of the interior was no- 
ticed — a dim radiance emanating from some unknown 
source in front of them ; and they halted again. It was a 
peculiar glow, reddish in hue, and seemed to waver and 
increase at irregular intervals. A faint, murmuring 
sound also came from the same direction, low and rhyth- 
mic in tone. It was uncanny, to say the least. 

Suddenly a loud shriek rang out, a cry of mortal agony, 
and then silence again, only broken by that weird noise. 
It had grown light enough for them to distinguish each 
other, and the middy, looking in the young surgeon’s face, 


196 


In the Tunnel. 


read something there which caused him to grasp his re- 
volver and point up the tunnel. The action was enough. 
Followed by the rest, Jack walked steadily ahead, and, 
turning an abrupt angle in the wall, came upon a scene 
which caused him to gasp and shrink back in sudden 
terror ! 


CHAPTER XXVIII. 


GOLDEN CRATER PEOPLE. 

The scene unfolded before the middy and his com- 
panions as they reached the abrupt turn in the tunnel was 
one never to be forgotten. A dozen yards beyond them 
the narrow passage widened into a lofty chamber, the roof 
of which was barely discernible far overhead. 

It was broad, and seemed paved with a glittering sub- 
stance which shone and sparkled with the power of a 
noonday sun. A strange radiance filled the cavern, for 
cavern it was, coming from a most wonderful source. 

Directly in the center, and running diagonally across 
from a point on the left, was a stream of molten lava, 
twisting and winding in serpentine curves to a huge 
orifice in the further wall, where it finally passed from 
view. 

Just before reaching this exit it spread into a miniature 
lake double its ordinary width, and formed a seething 
mass of fire, from which bubbled little fountains of bluish 
flame. The sight itself was awe-inspiring, but that which 
caused Jack to start back with terror was a scene being 
enacted on its very edge. 

A hundred grotesque figures stood grouped around it, 
figures so weird and uncanny that the onlookers could 
scarce believe their eyes. They were diminutive in 


198 


Golden Crater People. 


stature, and of such misshapen form that they resembled 
some strange and fabled monsters only to be met with in 
tales of the magi. They wore no clothing, but, covering 
them from the small, baboon-shaped head to the claw- 
like feet, was a thick skin, which apparently rendered 
them impervious to the intense heat thrown oif by the 
burning lava. 

Moving back and forth in a ceaseless dance, which fol- 
lowed no settled pattern, but seemed the obedience of a 
momentary whim, they circled the edge of the molten 
lake, chanting a dirge of tuneless meter. The sound was 
low and murmuring, like the continuous babble of a 
swollen brook, and did not increase or diminish in 
volume. 

Back of them, bound and helpless, were the forms of 
four men seated on the sparkling floor. They had been 
placed side by side, with their ashen faces turned to an 
elevated spot in the center, on which could be seen one of 
their number also secured ; but his lashing seemed to con- 
sist of ropes formed of the same substance as the floor 
and walls of the cave, a bright and light-reflecting ma- 
terial impossible to describe. 

The pedestal on which he crouched was shaped like a 
shallow bowl or plate, and stood at least three feet above 
the level. Behind it, and slightly above, ran another 
river of lava, following a narrow channel evidently cut 
for the purpose. Just where the stream passed it the 
outlines of an aperture, now securely closed with a block 
of stone, was visible, but, to the horror of the watchers 
at the tunnel entrance, one of the demoniac crew was en- 


Golden Crater People. 199 

deavoring to free the impediment, so the consuming fluid 
could descend on the hapless wretch beneath. 

He had almost succeeded ; already a thin, thread-like 
line trickled over the edge, still too small to spurt the re- 
quired distance, when, with a half-strangled gasp of ex- 
citement, Jack leveled his revolver and fired. The bullet 
sped true to its aim, and, striking the strange figure just 
below the neck, brought him to the floor. 

The loud report was the signal for a general fusillade. 
Abruptly awakened by the familiar sound from the spell 
cast over them, the others poured a death-dealing volley 
into the midst of the group crowded around the lake. 
For the space of a moment they stood as if paralyzed; 
then, with incredible activity, the entire body fled toward 
an opening on the other side of the cavern, and disap- 
peared. 

“Now is our chance shouted Gordon, starting to run 
across the cave to where the men were. He was imme- 
diately followed by all save the negro lad, who stood 
rooted to the floor with terror. It was only the work of 
a moment to release those in the middle of the cavern, 
but when old Brett, who had picked out the man on the 
altar, reached his side, one glance at the bowed head and 
helpless limbs showed that he was past all earthly aid — 
stricken to death by an excess of fear. 

Half-carrying, half-dragging the others in frenzied 
haste to the entrance, they gained it just in time. Paus- 
ing there for a second, Gordon happened to glance up- 
ward, and saw a score of gleaming points rapidly form- 
ing into drops of fire. 


200 Golden Crater People. 

“Back for your lives !” fairly shouted the middy, and, 
pushing those in front of him, who were still ignorant of 
the new danger, into the tunnel, he leaped into a place of 
safety. One backward glance into the cavern was 
enough. The very walls seemed ablaze, and streaming 
from above were perfect sheets of living flame, which 
scorched the eye, and drove the horrified watchers away 
from the opening in breathless haste. 

“This is terrible !” exclaimed George, as they came to 
a standstill some distance down the passage. The heat 
was intense, even where they stood, still it was bearable ; 
and a halt was made by unanimous consent to ascertain 
what to do next. One fear occupied the minds of all, a 
fear that the burning mass would be turned by some un- 
known means into the tunnel, and destroy them before 
the outer crevice could be reached. After seeing what 
had taken place, nothing was too improbable to expect. 

The light from the cave penetrated for a long distance, 
and where they now stood objects were plainly visible. 
By it Jack and the others could see whom they had so 
bravely rescued from a frightful fate. Thre^ of the four 
seemed, from their dark complexion and swarthy hair, to 
be Spaniards or Italians, but the fourth was evidently of 
Anglo-Saxon descent. As yet the effort in escaping from 
the fiery cavern had precluded all conversation, but 
when they halted for a moment’s rest this last man turned 
to Mr. Goodrich, and, in a voice filled with emotion, 
thanked him over and over again for their deliverance. 
He spoke in English and with a strong American in- 
tonation. 


201 


Golden Crater People. 

“You were not a moment too soon, sir,” he continued, 
grasping the old gentleman by the hand, and shaking it 
heartily. “Those fiends would have destroyed us all. 
One of our number escaped just as the rest of us were 
captured. He ran down this tunnel.” 

“It was probably he who passed us while we were com- 
ing up,” replied Lovering, explaining the occurrence. 

“I don’t think it altogether safe here,” remarked Jack, 
peering anxiously in the direction whence they had come. 
“Suppose we go outside and then talk.” 

His suggestion W2^ agreed to, and the entire party hur- 
ried to the outer passage.. Once there, they paused in 
front of the entrance, while the American, for such he 
proved to be, told his story. He seemed to be a young 
man, probably not over twenty-five, and had quite an in- 
telligent face, very different from his companions, who 
were evidently of the most illiterate class. 

“My name is Clark, Walter Clark, and I came from 
Boston, where, three months ago, I shipped on a steamer 
bound for Valparaiso,” he began. “In passing-^through 
the Straits we struck on a rock near Sandy Point, and 
were totally wrecked. All of the crew escaped in boats, 
and landed at the latter place to wait for one of the ves- 
sels calling in for coal. While walking down the one 
street a couple of weeks ago a Spaniard stopped me, and 
wished to know whether I would join a party bound for 
the interior of this island to search for treasure. 

“I thought he was joking or crazy at first, and laughed 
in his face, but he persisted so that I soon saw he meant 
what he said, and, furthermore, was evidently in posses- 


202 


Golden Crater People, 


sion of some secret which he did not care to share with 
me. To make the story short, he agreed to pay me one 
hundred dollars for the trip and a share of all that was 
found. Under that promise I came here, together with 
four others, in a little fishing smack, which we left on the 
eastern coast.” 

Jack and Lovering exchanged glances. This was the 
boat now anchored near the Marie. They were right in 
taking the precaution after all. 

“It was a terrible trip to the mountains,” resumed 
Clark. “At first we lost our way, and the food almost 
gave out. In fact, I believe if it hadn’t been for a couple 
of guanacos, shot on the third day, we would have been 
compelled to give up. The chief was a very determined 
man, however, and we plodded along until the entrance to 
this passage was reached. After reading a sort of docu- 
ment, he pronounced it the entrance to the treasure cham- 
ber. We had fetched a rope from the boat, which, to- 
gether with a sort of grapnel at the end, enabled us to 
bridge the peculiar gulch just below here. 

“After crossing, the rope was removed for some rea- 
son, and stowed under some pieces of rock near by. The 
Spaniard was very cautious, and seemed afraid that some 
one would follow him, because two men were left on 
guard where we crossed. The rest of us came to this 
tunnel, and made our way in to another one running off to 
the left. It is about half-way between the entrance and 
the big cave. After going up that for a short distance 
we got into a small room, which contained a lot of gold, 
and some stones which look like diamonds. 


203 


Golden Crater People. 

'There was enough to make us all rich forty times 
over, but the chief wasn’t satisfied. He made us leave it, 
and go back into the main passage, and follow that up 
until we reached that awful place where we very nearly 
met our death.” 

The narrator’s voice trembled, and he paused, almost 
overcome at the recollection. Lovering had listened to 
the story with deep interest until now. Rising from 
where he had been seated on a block of stone, he walked 
over to Clark, and, placing his hand on his shoulder, said, 
gently : 

“I want you to describe this Spaniard to me. What 
does he look like?” 

Glancing at his questioner in surprise, the American 
answered : 

"Why, he’s a man about forty years of age ; has black 
hair and eyes, and looks as if he had been sick lately.” 

Turning to Mr. Goodrich and Jack, the young sur- 
geon remarked, with the least possible trace of excite- 
ment in his voice: 

"Just as T expected ; it is our worthy mutineer, Manuel 
Garcia, alias Lopez!” 


CHAPTER XXIX. 


ATTACKEX> ! 

The news did not surprise either the old gentleman or 
Gordon. In fact, each had a strong suspicion that the 
leader of the other expedition was the Spaniard. When 
Clark began his recital Jack instantly divined what the 
result would be, and now, when the identity was proved 
beyond a doubt, he merely nodded his head, and said 
nothing. Not so Mr. Goodrich- Jumping to his feet, he 
asked anxiously : 

Who was it that escaped ? One of the sailors ?” 

^‘No,” came the reply. “It was the chief — the man you 
probably recognize. He fled at the first intimation of 
danger, and managed to gain the tunnel. When we ar- 
rived at the cavern it was only partially lighted by some 
unknown means, and the place appeared empty. We 
noticed the peculiar cracks in the floor, and that raised 
pedestal, but paid no attention to them. Before we had 
been there more than a few minutes the two guards left 
at the gulch came in, and told the chief they had seen a 
man on the other side. The information seemed to scare 
him, and he went back with them, leaving us in the cave. 
He returned in about two hours, very much excited. We 
looked all around trying to find another cavern he said 
was here, but finally had to give it up. He then said we 
would try that first tunnel again, and started to leave. 


Attacked ! 


205 


*‘The rest of us were just on the point of following, 
when we were set upon by a crowd of those little fiends, 
who, despite our efforts, overpowered us. Instantly see- 
ing the danger, the chief, who was nearest the entrance, 
darted away, and escaped. You know what followed.’' 

“I don’t like the idea of that scoundrel being free on 
the island,” said Mr. Goodrich, thinking of the yacht. 

“It is my opinion he is caught in a trap, and if Wil- 
kins or Shannon don’t shoot him we are liable to run 
across the fellow somewhere below here,” replied George. 
“And, by the way, it is just as well to keep a careful look- 
out, or he’ll pot one of us.” 

“What about this gold?” suddenly asked Jack, looking 
from one to the other. “We are surely not going to leave 
without trying to obtain it.” 

“Not much!” exclaimed Lovering, decidedly. “But I 
think Clark here has something to say about it. Without 
him we would probably have never discovered its where- 
abouts.” 

“And without your aid in securing it the treasure 
would remain in the cave,” quickly replied the American. 
“No, I lay claim to my share only. If it is decided to re- 
turn and make another trial I am willing to go with you, 
although, to tell the truth, I don’t like the job. All the 
gold on earth wouldn’t draw me there alone.” The sig- 
nificant shudder with which he concluded the sentence 
proved the truth of his assertion. 

Mr. Goodrich did not appear over-pleased either, al- 
though he gave his consent when spoken to on the subject 
by Jack. As for old Brett, he had no opinion, one way 


2o6 


Attacked ! 


or the other, and said he was simply there to obey orders. 
The three men with Clark utterly refused to go past the 
entrance, and nothing the rest could say altered their de- 
termination. 

This was liable to prove a serious quandary. It would 
not do to leave them go down the passage and rejoin 
Garcia, thereby giving that individual sufficient force to 
cause trouble, nor did they care to split up their party, 
but one of the two plans would have to be adopted. 

After some consideration, it was decided to place them 
under charge of old Brett and Sam. The negro lad 
hailed the decision with joy, as the prospect of again en- 
countering the people of the crater was fast resolving him 
into a quaking imbecile. 

As it now stood, the party to re-enter the interior con- 
sisted of Mr. Goodrich, Jack, Lovering, and Clark, amply 
sufficient to secure enough gold for all, and perfectly able 
to defend themselves in case the number arrayed against 
them was not overwhelming. 

Three knapsacks were taken along to be used in trans- 
porting the treasure. Each man discarded his rifle, but 
carried two revolvers instead, with plenty of ammunition. 
During the few minutes occupied with preparations the 
old gentleman briefly explained to the American what had 
occurred during and after the revolution. 

“If I had known the character of the man, I would 
never have joined the expedition,” said Clark, in reply. 
“He treated me fairly well, but he probably would have 
murdered us all in some manner after obtaining the gold.” 

“Not the slightest doubt of it,” agreed Lovering. “The 


The attack.'’ See page 108. 





Attacked ! 


207 


man is crazy, literally insane over the treasure, and in- 
stead of being satisfied with a legitimate share of it, kills 
people right and left to get it all. He is now receiving 
his reward.’^ 

After giving strict orders to Brett about keeping a 
close watch for Garcia, the party entered the tunnel, and 
walked steadily ahead for several hundred yards. Then, 
after halting a moment to see if everything were in readi- 
ness for a possible attack, they continued, but more cau- 
tiously. 

The interior was now pitch dark, not even the faint, 
peculiar glow noticed during the previous journey being 
visible. Even the heat had grown less, and it was far 
easier to breathe, all of which rendered the interior far 
more comfortable. No attempt was made at conversing, 
but each bent his energies in following the winding and 
tortuous passage without coming in contact with the 
walls. 

After walking what seemed to be a quarter of a mile, 
Clark, who had taken the lead, paused, and said, in a low 
tone: 

“We must be near the opening. It is somewhere along 
here, on the left side.'' 

“If we could only strike a match it would help us 
greatly," remarked Mr. Goodrich. 

“That would never do, sir," replied George, quickly. 
“The light would bring those little fiends down on us 
without a moment's warning. No; we had better search 
the wall, but be careful to avoid being separated." 

While the young surgeon was speaking Jack slipped 


2o8 


Attacked ! 


away, and, feeling along the rough stone, suddenly ran 
his hand into a cavity. Making a momentary inspection, 
he found that it only extended a little over four feet from 
the floor^ and seemed of about the same width. Ac- 
quainting the others with his discovery in a few hasty 
words, he asked Clark if the tunnel was of that size. 

“Yes; this must be it,” he replied. “I forgot to tell 
you it was only a low, narrow cut, but by stooping 
slightly you can pass through. The cave is only a 
minute’s walk from here, straight ahead. The new tun- 
nel doesn’t zigzag like this one.” 

For the first time since leaving the outer crevice the 
party hesitated. Here was the gateway to a treasure 
which would bring them boundless wealth; all that re- 
mained to be done was to walk a short distance further, 
and then load themselves with what one of their number 
had declared to be pure virgin gold — that mightiest of 
metals, which has gilded the thoughts of avaricious man 
since time immemorial — and yet they wavered. 

With all their bravery of spirit, the startling events of 
the day had had their effect. The scene in the cavern, 
not two hours past, remained pictured before them, and 
they felt, one and all, as if entering the aperture was like 
closing the portals of the outer world forever. 

Lovering was the first to move. Bending over, he 
passed in, and with a curt “Come on,” crept steadily 
ahead. Slightly ashamed, the others followed him, and 
after a short walk in that uncomfortable position reached 
a more extended space. 

“The place was light enough when we were here be- 


Attacked ! 


209 


fore,” whispered Clark, after stating that the cavern had 
finally been reached. don’t know what to make of this 
darkness ; it looks ominous. We had better get what we 
want and leave at once.” 

The rest heartily agreed with him, and, at his advice, 
commenced searching the apartment for the treasure. 
He said they would find the gold lying about in lumps or 
nuggets scattered in a haphazard fashion. As for the 
precious stones, they were mixed in the same mass. 

An exclamation from Mr. Goodrich indicated that he 
had found something; then Jack, uttering a cry of ex- 
citement, fell upon his knees and commenced to fill his 
knapsack with the fragments which seemed to literally 
cover the floor. For the space of a moment the silence 
was only broken by the sounds of heavy breathing or an 
occasional gasp from the hurrying men, then suddenly 
and without warning a vivid light dispelled the darkness, 
and before their eyes, dazzled by the change, could see 
their danger, the cave was filled by the natives of the 
crater. 


CHAPTER XXX. 


THE FIGHT IN THE CAVE. 

The attack was so unexpected that it found two of the 
party kneeling on the floor busily engaged in filling their 
knapsacks with the precious metal. Gordon and Lover- 
ing had just finished, and slung the bags over their shoul- 
ders, when the sudden illumination of the cavern oc- 
curred. 

Before the others could arise they were surrounded by 
scores of the little savages, and in an instant a desperate 
hand-to-hand struggle began. Mr. Goodrich was borne 
prostrate at first, actually weighed down by overwhelm- 
ing numbers, but, wrestling with a strength incredible in 
one of his age, succeeded in freeing his arms. Drawing 
a revolver, he fired rapidly at those near him, and man- 
aged to force his way to Clark’s side. 

The latter had scrambled erect, dragging with him four 
or five of the attacking force, who clung to his back and 
limbs with the tenacity of wild beasts. Seizing one 
around the waist, he lifted him over his head with a 
power born of desperation, and hurled the living missile 
into the ranks of the savages, knocking them down like 
nine-pins. 

The cave resounded with the din of conflict. Revolver 
shots following each other in rapid succession, their spite- 


2II 


The Fight in the Cave. 

ful reports echoing from wall to wall in one unceasing 
volley ; the short gasps of the men as they fought in the 
unequal struggle, and above all that strange, grewsome 
chant of the natives, formed a pandemonium impossible to 
describe. 

At the first onslaught. Jack had turned, and with one 
bound placed himself back to back with Lovering. Giv- 
ing a sweep with his right arm he cleared a circle, and, 
firing rapidly, killed three of his assailants before they 
could crowd in again. Hearing a sharp cry he faced 
about, and was just in time to see the old gentleman 
stagger and fall. 

With a superhuman effort the middy wrenched him- 
self free from those immediately around him, and, kick- 
ing, striking, wrestling, managed to cross the intervening 
space separating him from Mr. Goodrich. He was ap- 
parently just in time. The savages had succeeded in 
passing a coil of queer-looking material around the pros- 
trate form, and were in the act of tightening it when 
Gordon sprang in their midst. 

His revolver was empty, but, grasping it by the barrel, 
he launched out right and left with telling force. The 
young surgeon, seeing his move, had followed just be- 
hind, and, standing close together, they continued the 
gallant fight over the almost inanimate body of their 
friend. 

In the meantime Clark had not been idle. He was a 
muscular young fellow, bred in a school of hard knocks 
and self-reliance, but when he saw the perilous trap into 
which they had fallen he knew that nothing short of a 


212 


The Fight in the Cave. 


miracle could save them. Stilly following that natural 
instinct which causes even the timid doe to turn at bay, 
he fought with unfailing courage, and, gradually edging 
his way to the rocky wall, beat off the foe with lusty 
blows. 

It could not last much longer. There seemed to be no 
end to the natives. As fast as one would go down an- 
other would take his place, and, although without 
weapons, they promised to conquer by sheer force of 
numbers. The mysterious light, which, coming from 
some unknown source, rendered the cave as bright as 
day, still continued. There was a weirdness about its 
glow which made the scene like a page from the “In- 
ferno,” and caused the combatants to feel as if they were 
battling with demons from another world. 

The peculiar appearance of the natives themselves, 
with their small, ape-like bodies and that queer, scaly 
covering, like the hideous folds of a rhinoceros’ skin, 
also had its effect. It was only the extreme short range 
which made the leaden bullets penetrate their natural 
armor, but as it was the revolvers of the party brought a 
full score to the ground before the final struggle. 

While fighting side by side with the young surgeon 
Jack managed to gasp: 

“It will soon be over, old fellow. We can’t stand the 
pace much longer. I — I feel my legs giving out, but 
don’t give up the ship, don’t give ” 

The sentence was lost in one grand effort of the brave 
lad. Hastily picking up Clark’s knapsack, lying at his 
feet, laden with its heavy contents, he grasped the 


The Fight in the Cave. 213 

leathern strap, and struck one mighty blow at those in 
front of him. The effect was terrific. 

The novel weapon literally mowed a swath in the ad- 
vancing line. Seeing his advantage, Jack took heart, and, 
calling to the others to follow him, forced his way over 
the bodies of the fallen to where he had suddenly caught 
sight of the tunnel entrance. 

The combined efforts of the three fighting together in 
a small space had kept the natives back far enough to 
enable Mr. Goodrich to scramble erect again. When the 
middy started away from the others they immediately 
saw what he was aiming at, and tried their utmost to 
follow him. 

Inch by inch, over the rocky floor, strewn with its 
wealth of gold, they went, until at last, almost exhausted 
by the terrible strain, they reached the aperture leading 
from the cavern. 

Safety was not assured. In the tunnel could be seen 
more of the savages, but, owing to its narrow limits, their 
numbers did not offer much of an obstacle. Jack was 
still in the lead, and after he had finally forced his way 
into the passage he gave the knapsack to the old gentle- 
man, who was just behind him, and used his fists in- 
stead. 

The American brought up the rear, hard pressed by 
the discomfited natives. Seeing the prey slipping out of 
their grasp, they redoubled their efforts, but Clark kept 
them off successfully, and backed after his companions. 

After what seemed an eternity of time, they reached the 
outer tunnel. As they gradually left the cavern behind 


214 


The Fight in the Cave. 

the light faded until it at last merged into darkness again. 
The change was welcome, however; with the disappear- 
ance of the unearthly glow went their pursuers. Silently 
and as mysteriously as they came, the natives vanished, 
leaving the sorely tried men to stumble along the wind- 
ing passage into the freedom of the outer world. 

Old Ben Brett, waiting patiently near the entrance 
with Sam, and the Spaniards close at hand, was sud- 
denly startled by seeing four bent and staggering figures 
crawl through the opening, and fall prone on the stone- 
strewn floor. 

“Water, man ; give us water !’’ gasped one, the middy, 
raising himself on elbow. Then, grasping the canteen 
extended by the horrified sailor, he passed it to Mr. 
Goodrich. The old gentleman eagerly swallowed several 
mouthfuls, and returned it to Jack, who gulped down the 
remainder with a sigh of satisfaction. In the meantime 
the negro lad had hurried to the assistance of Lovering 
and Clark with another canteen of the cooling liquid. 

Stretched out on the ground, they rested blissfully for 
five minutes, only uttering an occasional word of direc- 
tion to Ben or the boy. A cold wind sweeping through 
the passage refreshed them wonderfully, and they were 
soon able to sit up and look at each other with an ex- 
pression of mutual congratulation and thankfulness. 

The first things to receive attention were the three 
knapsacks and their contents. As the reader will remem- 
ber, one each had been brought out by Jack and Lovering ; 
then the one Clark had partly filled — the middy’s weapon 
— was carried through the main tunnel by Mr. Goodrich, 


The Fight in the Cave. 


215 


who, notwithstanding his wild race for safety, had clung 
to the precious burden with unfaltering determination. 

Too worn out and exhausted to remove them, both 
Jack and the young surgeon had taken their much-needed 
rest with the bags still on their backs. Now, slowly cast- 
ing oif the straps, they dropped them carefully to the 
ground, and, lifting the flaps, gazed within. 


1 


CHAPTER XXXL 


A PERILOUS PREDICAMENT. 

Filling the capacious sacks to the brim were innumer- 
able nuggets of virgin gold of all sizes and shapes. 
Some large as hen’s eggs and others huge lumps broader 
than a man’s hand; while scattered among the heavier 
pieces of dull yellow metal were scores of smaller frag- 
ments, each of good value. Here and there could be seen 
in the mass curiously-rounded stones, reflecting the dim 
light of the passage in a multitude of sparkling points. 
They were uncut diamonds of the first water. 

“How beautiful !” exclaimed Lovering, selecting one of 
the largest, and holding it up to where a little gleam of 
sunshine had penetrated through the rift overhead. “This 
is worth a fortune in itself. It would honor the diadem 
of the greatest sovereign on earth.” 

“And here is another equally as valuable,” said Jack. 
Pushing the gold slightly to one side, he drew out three 
more in succession, differing but little from that the 
young surgeon had praised. There were also smaller 
stones, each probably weighing several carats, to the 
number of twenty in plain view on top. 

The middy started to empty the sack to search for 
others, but Mr. Goodrich interrupted him by saying : 

“Let us postpone the examination until we return on 


A Perilous Predicament. 


217 


board, Jack. I think it is advisable to leave this vicinity 
at once. And now that our aim is secured we have no 
further reason for delay. We have accomplished more 
than I really expected, and the best plan is to place this 
treasure in a safe place.” 

“Yes, by all means,” coincided George, with a side- 
long glance at the mouth of the adjacent tunnel. “We 
have been extremely fortunate, and it would be the height 
of folly to jeopardize what we have wrested from that 
horrible place at the peril of our lives. Let us go at 
once.” 

There was no dissenting voice. All were equally glad 
to leave the spot which had so nearly proven their tomb ; 
so, after securely fastening the knapsacks, the party 
marched down the passage toward the black pit, keeping 
a sharp lookout for Garcia. After an hour’s walk they 
came in sight of the cliff where Wilkins had been left on 
guard. 

Halting under the edge over which they had descended, 
Jack called loudly for the sailor. Receiving no answer, 
he repeated the effort, aided by Lovering and Brett. Still 
no reply. Only the sound of their voices echoed from 
wall to wall in mocking tones. Waiting impatiently, and 
with a growing anxiety, for several minutes, they tried 
again, but with the same results. 

Wilkins had disappeared ! 

The sailor left on guard at the top of the cliff had re- 
ceived instructions from Jack to haul up the rope by 
which the party had descended into the passage, and to 
watch constantly for their return. He was a very steady 


2i8 


A Perilous Predicament. 


man, and one in whom the young leader placed every con- 
fidence. 

Jack knew that only great personal danger could in- 
duce him to leave his post of duty, but whatever the cause, 
the unpleasant fact stared them in the face that they 
were on the wrong side of the black pit with no apparent 
way for crossing. 

“Something has happened to Wilkins,’' said Lovering, 
his face paling despite the strong control he invariably 
exercised over his emotions. “The man is too faithful to 
leave us in the lurch.” 

“This is the worst misfortune we have met,” said Mr. 
Goodrich. “If he has been killed or gone away, our 
situation will be desperate, indeed.” 

“Why not fire all the revolvers at once,” eagerly recom- 
mended the middy, always prolific of resources. “He 
may have only strolled a short distance, not expecting us 
so soon.” 

Anything was preferable to being idle; so, pointing 
their pistols in the air, they fired simultaneously. It 
sounded as one discharge, and the loud report rolled and 
reverberated from side to side of the narrow passage in 
innumerable echoes. A fragment of stone, loosened by 
the shock, fell at their feet, but no friendly face peered 
over the cliff, and they turned away disheartened. 

“Didn’t I hear you say as how that onery mutineer had 
a piece of rope hid around here somewhere?” suddenly 
asked Brett of Clark. 

“Great Scott! so he did. I had forgotten that,” re- 


A Perilous Predicament. 219 

plied the American. “He stowed it away up the road a 
bit. Hurry ! it may be there yet.” 

Setting out on a run, accompanied by Jack, he passed 
the curve where his party had built their fire the previous 
night, and stopped in front of a pile of stones which had 
dropped at odd times from above. Hastily throwing 
them aside, he looked anxiously underneath for a mo- 
ment, and then turned to the middy with an exclamation 
of disappointment. 

“It’s gone ! The Spaniard must have taken it just be- 
fore we arrived.” 

“Are you sure, Clark?” questioned Jack, anxiously. 
“Look again, and I’ll scout around a little above here. 
It we don’t find it, our chance for escaping is slim. Con- 
found it! This is too bad. Here we are caged in like 
rats in a trap, and after getting the treasure, too.” 

“I think we would be willing to pay more than its 
weight in gold for a rope now,” remarked Clark, with a 
sorry attempt at a smile. 

“Yes; double that. And to think of the spare fath- 
oms kicking around junk-shops and other places. That 
is always the way ; necessity sets the price.” 

While speaking. Jack assisted him in his second search, 
then, finding nothing there, both scoured the passage for 
several hundred yards, but without result. The rope had 
undoubtedly been removed. 

“We might as well rejoin the others,” finally said Gor- 
don, starting to return. “Misery loves company, you 
know, and I am afraid we are destined to drink of the 
cup pretty deeply.” 


Z20 


A Perilous Predicament. 


They were met at the turn by Lovering and Mr. Good- 
rich, who, on seeing their empty hands, did not ask use- 
less questions. The situation was becoming very grave. 
Even Sam caught the infection, and the expression of 
alarm on his ebony countenance reflected his evident per- 
turbation. When they reached the chasm they found 
Brett seated on its edge, glancing across in a contempla- 
tive manner. 

“D’ye know,” he said to the old gentleman, “them shots 
ought to have been heard by Shannon as well as Wil- 
kins. The sound would surely carry that far, an’ it’s a 
good proof that he is gone, too. I can’t understand what 
has happened to them; they are not the kind to leave a 
shipmate in a hole. I believe that pison snake of a dago 
has had something to do with this, as sure as you are 
born.” 

“No doubt, no doubt,” exclaimed Mr. Goodrich, bit- 
terly. “All our misfortunes are dated from the day he 
boarded the yacht in Buenos Ayres. It seems as if the 
evil fates are working for him. He has escaped three 
times, but his reward is surely coming.” 

The other members of the Spaniard’s expedition had 
remained very quiet since their rescue from the cavern. 
They had shown their gratitude by strictly obeying or- 
ders, and evincing a willingness to assist wherever pos- 
sible, and the Goodrich party were favorably impressed 
by them. Although perfectly cognizant of the perilous 
predicament, they displayed but little emotion, leaving 
their future safety in the hands of the others. It was 
characteristic of the race. 


A Perilous Predicament. 


221 


It was now getting late in the afternoon, and the party 
had eaten nothing since early morning, but all thoughts of 
food were banished before the momentous question of the 
hour. They were convinced that nothing need be ex- 
pected from the two sailors left on guard. Every method 
possible for making known their presence had been ex- 
hausted, and now there remained only one resource. 
And that was to husband their stores, and wait patiently 
until Captain Breeze sent the relief party as decided upon 
before leaving the yacht. 

“It will be fully a month before we can hope to hear 
from him,’' said Mr. Goodrich, with a sigh. “Thirty 
days and nights spent in this miserable hole without tents 
or shelter of any description. By the way, how much 
food have we on hand?” 

Brett and Sam, under the middy’s directions, emptied 
the knapsacks still packed with provisions, and arranged 
the contents on the ground to facilitate counting. That 
taken from the bags now containing the treasure had 
been packed in the others before they entered the tunnel. 

After a moment. Jack announced that the total supply 
on hand consisted of two hundred and forty rations, 
figured from the base used previously. This included 
coffee and sugar as well as meats. 

“Two hundred and forty, eh ? Let me see ; that means 
sixteen days for five persons at three rations per day,” 
mused Lovering. “And there are nine of us now. By 
Jove ! it will only last us a little over eight days at that 
rate, or twenty-four days, consuming one ration each.” 

“We can keep body and soul together for a month 


222 


A Perilous Predicament. 


anyway with what we have/’ remarked Jack, cheerfully. 
“And for all we know, either one of the two men may re- 
turn at any moment. We are not so badly off, after all. 
What if we didn’t have any food or expect assistance?” 

The middy’s happy efforts to clear away the gloom 
cast over them by their precarious situation succeeded, 
and they set about arranging a place to spend the night 
with a fair display of good spirits. It was decided to build 
a fire in the same spot Garcia had selected, as it was par- 
tially protected by the curve in the walls. There were 
not enough blankets for all, so Brett rigged an ingenious 
screen of those on hand, and placed it as a shield against 
the wintry blasts. 

A small quantity of food was doled out to each, just 
barely enough to satisfy the pangs of hunger, and then 
all who could snatched a few fitful hours of sleep as a 
temporary relief. A regular watch was set as a pre- 
caution against possible danger, but the isolated party 
rather welcomed intrusion, so it was not from the natives 
of the crater. 

Jack and the young surgeon walked back and forth in 
front of the fire long after dark, talking in low tones over 
the eventful incidents of the day. They paused now and 
then to glance at the knapsacks containing the treasure, 
and each felt that he would gladly exchange the wealth 
for a surety that help would come in time. 


CHAPTER XXXII. 


ON THE CLIFF. 

Shannon and Wilkins were old cronies and shipmates 
of many a cruise. They had braved the storms of the 
capes more times than they could remember, and sailed 
under every flag known to navigation. Thorough sea- 
men in every respect, honest in their rude walk of life, 
and doing their simple duty without ostentation and desir- 
ing praise therefor, still they had their little faults like the 
rest of mankind. 

After the expedition had disappeared up the passage, 
Wilkins hauled the rope to the top of the cliff, and pre- 
pared to make himself as comfortable as the circum- 
stances would permit. Pitching his little tent a half- 
dozen yards from the edge, he placed the stores in it, and 
then, after the ancient custom of tarry followers of the 
deep, drew forth his cutty pipe for a quiet smoke. 

To his great annoyance, he found that it was empty, 
and, furthermore, the plug of tobacco always deposited 
with solicitous care in the pocket of his dungaree trou- 
sers was gone. 

Wilkins^ first thought was of his friend on the other 
side of the chasm. They had loaned and borrowed that 
same article for ten long years, and he knew that his re- 
quest would meet with a speedy response. After cast- 


224 


On the Cliff. 


ing a glance in the chasm to see if any of the party was 
returning, he hurried to the place they had crossed that 
morning. From where he stood he could see Shannon 
leaning against a huge bowlder, calmly engaged in 
smoking his pipe. The sight of the blue wreaths curl- 
ing above his friend’s head caused his own longing to 
gain an added strength from envy, and he called out : 

‘T say there, Paddy! have ye a bit of ’bacca about ye? 
I have lost my plug.” 

"‘Hillo, Bill,” replied the Irishman, strolling to the 
edge, and feeling in his pockets. ‘T have that, but it’s a 
wee bit, an’ won’t fill more’n three poipes. Brett’s got 
the rest. How’ll I git it over there ?” 

“Just give it a toss. I’ll catch it all right.” 

Shannon measured the distance with his eye, and, after 
looking at the small piece in his hand, shook his head 
doubtfully. 

“It’ll maybe drop in a crack, an’ then we’re ship- 
wrecked sure, me bye. Hadn’t ye better wait until thim 
fellers come back? It’s too risky.” 

But Wilkins’ determination only increased, and the 
bare thought of such a delay caused him to speedily cast 
about for a means to secure the coveted weed. The sin- 
gle heaving line used for hauling over the boatswain’s 
chair was still stretched across the pit. That could be 
utilized with a little ingenuity. It had been reeved 
through a pully on each side, and therefore formed an 
endless rope. By fastening the tobacco to it with a piece 
of string, Wilkins could draw it over in a jiify. Under 


On the Cliff. 


225 

his directions Shannon prepared the transfer with a cau- 
tion worthy of a crown diamond. 

**Now, ye terrier, if ye lose this, I’ll come over there 
and tan yer hide,” he called out, making a signal for the 
other to commence pulling the line. 

“All right, Paddy,” replied his mate, laughingly. “I 
say; where’s the nigger and the dog? Have they both 
skipped out on account of not liking your company ? Ha, 
ha! I don’t blame them.” 

“They have gone huntin’ thim little yaller animiles 
what’s called guanacas. Waroka, he sez something in 
his funny lingo, and started off wid a gun. I knowed 
what ever he meant, ’cause I seen one o’ thim a few min- 
utes back. Careful there, matie; don’t yez lean over 
too Murther I he’s gone I” 

Uttering a cry of horror, the Irishman staggered back, 
and clasped both hands over his face. Wilkins had in- 
clined too far over the edge in his eagerness, and, losing 
his balance, fell with a crash into the abyss. One long, 
shrill scream came to the ears of his friend, and then 
silence again. 

Trembling in every limb. Shannon crawled to the brink 
and peered over. There was nothing in sight, save a 
mark here and there, where the body had struck against 
the sides, nor could he hear any sounds from below. He 
was alone. 

Turning away sick at heart, he walked back to his tent, 
and cast himself on the ground just in front. Suddenly 
he thought of the consequences of the terrible accident 


226 


On the Cliff. 


to the expedition. Jumping to his feet again, he walked 
hurriedly up and down in a state of great excitement. 

“Pore Jim ! he’s beyant all help now,” he muttered, sor- 
rowfully. “An’ it’s brought trouble on us all. What- 
ever am I going to do about Mr. Goodrich, an’ th’ rest? 
The rope’s over there out o’ reach, an’ I can’t git it. Oh ! 
woora, woora ! it’s the ’bacca as hez caused it all. There ! 
begone wid ye !” Putting his heel on the pipe lying near 
by, he ground it into pieces. 

“I wish th’ naygur would come back. He’d be com- 
pany, anyway^ even if he couldn’t talk to a feller. An’ 
th’ dog’s as good as a deef an’ dumb man wid his 
sympathy.” 

He returned to the chasm, drawn by some fascination 
he could not explain. The sun was getting high in the 
heavens, and it beamed down on him in friendly warmth, 
but he felt it not. The loss of his mate and the problem 
now confronting him made the poor fellow oblivious to 
all else. Glancing across, he could see the little tent and 
the rope coiled up nearby, but it was as much out of 
his reach as if it had been at the bottom of the sea. He 
knew it would take him at least seven days to obtain as- 
sistance from the yacht, but that it would ultimately have 
to be done was certain. He could accomplish nothing 
single-handed, nor without a rope. 

“If I only could send worred to Captain Breeze, he’d 
have everything fixed in no toime, an’ it would — why, the 
naygur, he’s just th’ ticket ! It wouldn’t take him a wink 
of yer eye to reach th’ coast. Why don’t he come, I 
wonder ?” 


On the Cliff. 


227 


Turning away, he walked hastily in the direction the 
Yaghan had taken several hours previous, with the hope 
that he might see him. After passing the tent he struck 
oflf to the left, but had hardly gone ten yards when he 
stopped suddenly and glanced at a spot on the edge of the 
large crevice, where they had ascended that morning. 

“Be th’ powers! I thought I saw a man's head there,” 
he muttered, feeling for his revolver. It was not in his 
belt, and he then remembered leaving it near the stores. 
Backing cautiously toward the tent, he watched the place 
closely, then with an exclamation of excitement, turned to 
run. He was too late. 

The sharp crack of a pistol shot rang out, and, throw- 
ing up his arms. Shannon stumbled and fell without a 
sound. Over in the direction of the crevice a little ring 
of smoke curled up and disappeared. Then, after a few 
moments, a man climbed slowly over the edge, and walked 
toward the body. His clothes were torn and soiled, and 
he moved with difficulty, as if injured in one of his limbs. 
The face seemed haggard, and the black beard fringing 
the chin was unkempt and ragged. It was Manuel 
Garcia ! 

Reaching Shannon's body, he spurned it with his foot, 
and then passed on to a little pile of canned provisions 
near the tent. Hurriedly opening several, he ate raven- 
ously for a while. After satisfying his hunger, he looked 
under the canvas, but saw nothing to his fancy, except a 
blanket. Throwing it over his shoulder, Garcia limped 
back to the crack in the edge of the cliff, and after taking 
a last look around, lowered himself over the side. 


228 


On the Cliff. 


Midday came and passed. The sun drew closer to the 
mountain peak toward the west, and then gradually dis- 
appeared, casting a fringe of golden bars athwart the sky. 
Just as these faded away, leaving a grayish light signifi- 
cant of darkness, the loud barking of a dog sounded, and 
Shag appeared, followed by the native. 

The intelligent animal rushed up to the body, and, 
throwing back his head, gave vent to a long, mournful 
howl. Waroka stopped suddenly on seeing Shannon, and 
glanced swiftly from side to side. Then, stooping over, 
he felt carefully for the wound. After a moment’s ex- 
amination, he ran to the tent and returned immediately 
with some water, which he used in bathing the pallid 
face. 

The Yaghan labored long and earnestly, until at last, 
after almost giving it up in despair, he noticed signs of 
returning consciousness. He redoubled his efforts, and 
soon had the satisfaction of seeing the wounded man open 
his eyes. Shannon tried to arise, but the task was too 
much for his present strength. 

“What is the matter? Who was — ugh!” Groaning 
feebly, he fell back, and then saw Waroka for the first 
time. “Why, it’s the naygur. I say, old man, who was 

it shot Ah ! what’s the use in talkin’ to the likes of 

him, he don’t understand.” 

The native said something in his peculiar dialect, but 
Shannon only shook his head; then Waroka made a mo- 
tion as if aiming a revolver, and pointed toward the 
crevice. 

The Irishman nodded eagerly and repeated the panto- 


On the CliflF. 


229 


I 

mime, at the same time unconsciously explaining the oc- 
currence in words. Waroka at last appeared satisfied, 
and tapped his revolver with a meaning smile. 

“Good for ye!’^ exclaimed Shannon. “Go an’ kill the 
murderin’ villain, an’ I’ll be yer friend fur life.” Feel- 
ing a spot on his head, he continued : “It was a narrow 
escape an’ no mistake. The thickness of a hair nearer, 
an’ I’d be a dead Mick. Now, if I can git this feller to 
help me to the tent, I’ll do well fur th’ night. By morn- 
ing thim people ought to be back, an’ then Fll go down 
an’ talk to thim over th’ pit. We will have to kape a 
sharp lookout in case that Spaniard — fur I recognized his 
mug — comes back ag’in to finish his job.” 

The Yaghan assisted him under the canvas, and pre- 
pared a little cold food for both. Then, carrying his re- 
volver in readiness, marched up and down the edge of the 
crevice, accompanied by Shag, until long after dark. 


CHAPTER XXXIII. 


THE END OF GARCIA. 

The encampment was astir early next morning. In 
fact, there was no inducement to sleep, even to those who 
had stood watch during the night. The gravity of their 
position was felt more strongly than at any time since 
the discovery. The gnawing pangs of hunger had 
brought the truth before them in a manner not to be 
denied. 

Another danger threatened the party. Their supply of 
firewood was not sufficient for one more day. It had only 
consisted of a few decayed branches, blown into the pas- 
sage at odd times, and all they had been able to pick up 
after a diligent search was barely a couple of armsful. 
The temperature in the tunnel-like crevice seemed sev- 
eral degrees lower than on the cliffs, and even at midday 
proved uncomfortable. It would not have been felt so 
much if they had ample food, but the scant ration served 
out offered little assistance in combating the new enemy. 

The depressing effect of their situation was beginning 
to tell on the party. Even Jack, light-hearted and merry 
as a general rule, seemed more grave than his wont on 
awakening from a troubled sleep that morning. This 
feeling was the natural expression of resentment at an 
untoward fate. 


The End of Garcia, 


231 


Circunistar^^s have a deal to do with one's spiritual 
barometer. It is easy to tint life’s canvas a rosy hue 
when the brush is colored by pleasant gifts and peaceful 
days, but the darker shadows of misfortune can often blur 
the picture. 

“It has resolved itself into this,” said George, walking 
toward the brink of the chasm with the middy and Mr. 
Goodrich. “We are all right, if we can manage to exist 
until the relief expedition is sent out by Captain Breeze. 
It will no doubt entail considerable suffering upon all, es- 
pecially on account of the lack of fuel, but while there is 
the hope of ultimate rescue before us, even if it is de- 
layed for thirty days, we can surely stand a little dis- 
comfort.” 

“There is one thing certain,” remarked Jack. “We can 
depend on the skipper. He will carry out his instruc- 
tions to the letter, if it costs him his life.” 

“Yes; Breeze will do his duty,” admitted Mr. Good- 
rich. “And if nothing happens, we will see the rescuing 
party by the time agreed upon. But we are going to 
have a close call of it.” 

“The limit of human endurance is not yet reached, sir,” 
said Clark, joining them. “The unwritten history of the 
sea would show a number of almost incredible examples 
of existence under terrible circumstances.” 

While he was speaking. Jack had been gazing intently 
across to where the opposite passage made the abrupt 
curve. Without turning to the others, he said, suddenly : 

“Keep quiet, and don’t look yet. I saw a man’s face 


The End of Garcia. 


232 

peering at us from the other side. If I am not mistaken, 
it is Garcia. Continue talking, and I will watch.” 

Cautiously putting his hand behind, Gordon drew a re- 
volver from his belt, and cocked it. George began speak- 
ing in an ordinary tone of voice, and to heighten further 
the delusion, pointed overhead. 

The middy looked around in an unconcerned manner, 
but took care to direct a casual glance at the spot where 
he had seen the face. It was no longer there, and, after 
waiting several minutes, Jack began to believe he had 
been deceived. 

'T was certain I saw some one over there,” he finally 

remarked, with a laugh. “But it might have ” 

• .“There he is !” cried George, pointing to the curve. 

The figure of a man stepped into view, and stood wav- 
ing a white rag over his head. 

“It’s the chief!” avowed Clark, quickly. “See, he’s 
showing a flag of truce, and wants to speak with us.” 

Just then they heard a shout from the rear, and the 
three Spaniards rushed down to the edge of the chasm, 
and held out their arms to Garcia, imploringly. 

The ex-mutineeer did not approach any nearer the 
chasm, but stood where he had first shown himself. The 
distance between them was not more than fifty yards, and 
they could see his face plainly. He appeared to be pleased 
at something, and regarded the party with a peculiar 
smile. With a tacit understanding they waited for him 
to speak first. For the space of a moment they remained 
thus, forming an impressive tableau, then the Spaniard 
broke the silence. 


The End of Garcia. 


233 


*'Mr. Goodrich, and you, my brave young officers,” he 
began, an exultant look on his evil countenance. am 
sorry to see you in such a dangerous position. It is a 
pity that such daring treasure hunters should be caged 
in a trap which has no doors. You wanted gold, and you 
ran your head in a noose which I am going to loosen for 
you. My tender heart will not permit me to leave you 
to the fate of starvation. See, here is a rope! It will 
bridge the pit and open the way to freedom for all. 
Now, I want to talk a little first, and then I’ll let you out. 
Oh! yes; I’ll just throw over the end, and you can sail 
away with the gold, and live forever after like kings. 
Good for evil is my motto. You were going to deliver 
me to the executioner, and in repayment I will give y'oh 
life!” 

While he was making this extraordinary speech. Jack 
glanced meaningly at Lovering. They were not deceived 
by his smooth words, and the middy quietly fingered his 
revolver with a significant movement. By this time every 
member of the little party had gathered on the brink of 
the pit, an expectant audience. 

Mr. Goodrich looked perplexed. He did not know 
whether the Spaniard was in earnest or not. His ab- 
horrence of the man made the idea of accepting such a 
service at his hands particularly disagreeable, but they 
were undoubtedly not in a position to refuse the service. 
However, he had no further time for considering the sub- 
ject. Garcia stood playfully exhibiting the rope with its 
iron grapnel at the end for a moment, then continued : 

‘T see you have saved all my poor men from those dare- 


234 


The End of Garcia. 


devils except one. I suppose Luna was lost, eh? Well, 
it’s too bad, but it can’t be helped. Now, I want to ask 
you an important question. Did you get any of the 
gold?” 

“Yes, Garcia,” replied Mr. Goodrich, quickly. “We 
have secured some, part of which will be yours if you 
assist us in escaping from this hole.” 

The Spaniard threw back his head and laughed. It 
had a mirthless sound, and soon ceased, but it was enough 
to cause Jack to set his teeth with sudden anger, and al- 
most reveal the revolver he held in readiness behind him. 

“You will give me part of it, eh ?” replied Garcia, softly 
rubbing his hands. “Ah ! generous soul ! In return for 
the poor services I will render you, I am to be paid in my 
own gold. Well, I know a trick worth two of that.” He 
paused slightly, then, his whole manner changing, shook 
his fist at them, and shouted vindictively: “Part of it? 
I am to be paid a little of the treasure ! After toiling and 
suffering untold hardships for years ; after being shot and 
almost drowned, I am to be rewarded with a trifle, while 
you take the lion’s share. 

“Stay and rot where you are, thieves ! Starve ! while I 
watch your dying agonies, and count the hours bringing 
the time when I can cross over and get my treasure at 
last ! I want to ” 

Crack ! 

The report of a revolver echoed through the passage, 
and before the sound had died away, they saw the Span- 
iard totter and fall against the rocky side. He wavered 


The End of Garcia. 


235 

there, clinging desperately to a projecting point, but at 
last his hold relaxed and he sank to the ground. 

On the opposite side of the pit there was a state of 
wild excitement. The fatal shot had not been fired from 
there. Jack still held his weapon concealed, and the 
others had not drawn theirs. Just as their surprise 
reached its greatest pitch, two men and a dog came into 
view and ran quickly to the edge of the pit. 

They were Shannon, Waroka and Shag! 


I 


CHAPTER XXXIV. 


THE TREASURE. 

The cheer that came from the anxious watchers when 
they saw the hour of their deliverance so near at hand, 
made the walls of the passage ring. Shannon returned 
it with a hearty good-will, and then called out : 

'‘Hillo, there ! I am murtherin’ glad to see yez. 
Would ye be after havin’ the rope to oncet ? Och ! what 
a question ! but it’s the’ cut in me head which makes me 
loony loike.” 

‘‘Shannon, you never appeared so handsome in all your 
life,” laughed Jack, in the exuberance of high spirits. 
“But you will look even better when we reach the other 
side.” 

“Ah! but it’s jokin’ ye are. Mister Gordon,” replied the 
delighted sailor. “Its’ the gilded frame work of the cir- 
cumstances phat enhances me beauty. Howsomever, 
we’ll talk about that later on. I’ll first see if that villain 
up there can do any more harm, then I’ll sind the naygur 
for the boatswain’s chair an’ hev yez out o’ that in the 
twinklin’ of a pig’s nose.” 

Walking to where the Spaniard lay doubled up at the 
base of the wall, he held his revolver in readiness and 
peered at the upturned face. One glance was sufficient ; 
the murderer and mutineer^ the breaker of the laws of 


The Treasure. 


237 


God and man^ the cause of all their misfortunes and 
trouble, had gone to his last account. The glint of gold 
had entered his soul and awakened there a lust which 
knew no satisfying, but a just retribution had at last 
overtaken him. He richly merited his fate. 

Taking the body. Shannon and Waroka unceremoni- 
ously dragged it to the brink of the chasm and, in the 
presence of the spectators on the other side, dropped it 
into the mysterious abyss. 

'‘A fitting burial !” exclaimed Lovering, grimly, and he 
echoed the sentiments of all. 

In the course of an hour the transfer of the party was 
safely accomplished. When the last man had passed 
over the swaying rope, old Brett cut their end and 
allowed it to swing out of reach, forever severing their 
communication with the golden crater and its mysteries. 

The old sailor was sent with the Spaniards to the top 
of the cliff for the tents and stores, the latter being abso- 
lutely necessary for their homeward journey. On being 
told of Wilkins' tragic death, the party expressed their 
sorrow, and Mr. Goodrich evinced his determination to 
provide for the unfortunate man's family. Waroka was 
easily persuaded to accompany them to the yacht, and in 
fact seemed to exhibit a disinclination to leave them at 
all. This caused Jack to vaguely outline a plan for carry- 
ing the native to Buenos Ayres. He was intelligent for 
his race, was young, and had proved a faithful ally. 
Then the novelty of having a Yaghan retainer had its 
weight. 

The return to the coast was made without incidents. 


238 


The Treasure. 


The fatigue of travel was lost in the promise of pleas- 
ures awaiting them, and when the supplies ended on the 
day before their arrival, they only tightened their belts 
and took longer strides, buoyed up by dreams of that 
bountiful table groaning under its v/eight of good cheer. 

At sunrise of the third day, after a forced march dur- 
ing half the night, they emerged from the evergreen 
forest and stepped silently to the beach. To their un- 
bounded joy the yacht was still riding at her old anchor- 
age, and never did a fabric of iron and wood look so 
beautiful as the graceful hull of the Marie to her owner 
and his party. Smoke was pouring from the galley pipe, 
and as it eddied and wavered through the mizzen rigging 
it seemed to form the fingers of a beckoning hand, bidding 
them welcome. Sam’s eyes glistened with joy at the 
sight, but he could only smack his capacious lips and rub 
the commissary department of his anatomy. 

There was only one man visible on deck, a sailor scrub- 
bing the forecastle hatch. The skipper’s door was open, 
but he was probably at breakfast, little dreaming of the 
agreeable surprise awaiting them. 

At last Jack, unable to stand it longer, placed his hands 
to his mouth, and shouted at the top of his voice : 

''Marie ahoy-y-y !” 

The sailor forward dropped his brush, and, after star- 
ing at him a moment in amazement, ran aft toward the 
companion hatch, but before reaching there. Captain 
Breeze’s familiar form appeared on deck. They could 
see him throw up both hands, and then execute the first 
steps of an intricate hornpipe, and then, echoing across 


The Treasure. 


239 

the waters came a whoop which v»^ould have done credit 
to an Indian. 

In an instant the deck was alive with men. Some 
rushed aft, and lowered both boats, while others hoisted 
flags at the main and mizzen. Presently, just before the 
keels of the skiff and quarter boat grated on the sand, a 
loud report sounded from the howitzer amidships. It 
was followed by another, and then another, until the im- 
patient watchers on shore counted fifteen — a commodore’s 
salute. 

It would take a pen dipped in a sympathetic ink to aptly 
describe the meeting between Marie and her father. In 
the dry phraseology of legal documents, the party of the 
first part wept silently and with emphasis, while the party 
of the second part wiped away several drops of unbid- 
den moisture, ably assisted by the majority of those at his 
elbow. Manchita came in for her share of attention, 
notably from the young surgeon, who shook hands with a 
vigor only used successfully at a pump handle. After the 
first greeting was over and preliminary explanations gone 
through with, Mr. Gioodrich turned to the skipper, and 
said: 

“Breeze, start fires at once and get under way. Don’t 
delay, as every moment spent in sight of this land is a mo- 
ment of misery to me.” 

“Ay, ay, commodore! Well be out o’ sight long be- 
fore sunset. But what’ll ye do with them fellers’ boat — 
leave it here?” 

The old gentleman asked Clark if he wanted it, and, on 


The Treasure. 


240 

receiving a reply in the negative, told the captain to let 
it remain at anchor in the little bay. 

“It may prove a blessing to some shipwrecked sailors, 
unfortunate enough to be cast away on this coast,” he 
added, and then, with a generosity characteristic of the 
man, told Breeze to stock the cabin with a quantity of 
canned provisions and a sail. 

Jack succeeded in persuading Waroka to accompany 
them, after gaining Mr. Goodrich’s consent. The native 
demurred at first, being evidently alarmed at the unac- 
customed sights on board the yacht, but finally agreed on 
condition that he could return some day to see his people. 
The Spaniards were placed with the crew, and seemed 
satisfied to escape from the island under any circum- 
stances. 

Shortly after twelve o’clock the Marie slowly forged 
her way out through the passage near the reef, and again 
breasted the blue waters of the Atlantic. Taking advan- 
tage of a favorable breeze, all sails were set, and, with the 
screw rapidly urging her on, soon had the islands of 
Terra del Fuego a dark blotch on the distance horizon. 

Aft on the quarter deck were gathered a group of in- 
terested spectators watching it slowly fade away until at 
last, just as the faint outlines were lost in the misty depths 
of sea and sky, Mr. Goodrich removed his hat, and said, 
solemnly : 

“May we never be unfortunate enough to look on that 
land again.” 

“Amen !” echoed the young officers, fervently. 

At the old gentleman’s request, the entire party ad- 


The Treasure. 


241 


journed to the cabin, where, after seeing them seated 
around the center table, he brought forth the knapsacks 
containing the treasure. 

'‘Now, my friends,” he began, emptying the contents 
into one huge pile, “that we have, like the old Romans, 
came, saw, and conquered, we will do what naturally fol- 
lows, count the spoils. I know you are anxious on the 
subject, and I do not blame you. We have passed 
through enough to be entitled to a sufficient recompense. 
We shall see whether we have it.” 

Under his directions. Jack and Lovering weighed the 
gold, while he, assisted by Clark, assorted the stones. 
Marie kept tally of the different results. Many were the 
expressions of admiration at the beauty of the diamonds, 
even in their rough condition, and they were none too 
enthusiastic. 

Mr. Goodrich, quietly admitting that he had served an 
apprenticeship at the trade, separated and priced them 
with a skill proving his assertion. After a full hour’s 
work, the old gentleman took the schedule and announced 
the following results: 

“I find that the approximate value of the gold, at cur- 
rent prices, is thirty-six thousand dollars. Not so bad, 
after all, eh? But our real wealth will come from these 
stones. You will be surprised when I tell you that, all in 
all, large and small, we have here three hundred and sev- 
nty, which means, computing the carats,” here he hesi- 
tated, and, beaming at them over his glasses, continued 
slowly ; “a total of over eight hundred thousand dollars !” 


CHAPTER XXXV. 


CONCLUSION. 

The silence in the cabin, following his words, remained 
unbroken for a brief moment^ then from the other end of 
the table came a voice, husky with excitement : 

“Well, I’ll be teetotally keel-hauled! Commodore ye 
air foolin’, ain’t ye ?” 

Arising from his seat, the skipper leaned over toward 
them, and, at the sight of the rugged, weather-beaten 
countenance, with its staring eyes and open mouth, caused 
them to shout with laughter. 

“No; that is the approximate value, Breeze. Of 
course, the price might vary a little on sale, but in round 
figures I believe the total will not fall far short of that 
amount. 

“Now, I think we had better figure the division,” con- 
tinued Mr. Goodrich, after quietly enjoying the varying 
expressions of astonishment and pleasure on the counte- 
nances of his listeners. “Of this total we will set apart 
a certain sum for Wilkins’ family and members of the 
crew. What do you say to five thousand for the first, 
and double that amount to be divided among those who 
did not take part in the expedition, including Mr. Watts 
and Adams?” 

“Just as you say, sir,” acquiesced Jack, who then asked : 
“Now for our old friend here, the master of the yacht.” 


Conclusion. 


243 


‘‘Ah ! I have provided for him/’ smiled the old gen- 
tleman, turning to the skipper with twinkling eyes. 
“Captain Breeze, in repayment for your services, and as 
a token of our regard, we beg you to accept the sum of 
twenty thousand dollars.” 

The worthy old sailor stared at him for a moment, then 
answered, huskily : 

“No — no, commodore ; I couldn’t see my way clear to 
taking of it. You pay me liberally for doin’ my dooty, 
an’ if I should happen to put a leetle more interest in it 
than usual, I do so in part payment for your kindness to 
me.” 

“Tut, tut, sir! I thought you always obeyed orders. 
A refusal will mean mutiny, rank mutiny, sir, and I shall 
certainly run you over to the authorities in Buenos Ayres 
for punishment. Eh, Jack?” 

“Hang him to the yard arm at once,” replied the middy, 
promptly. “Such an outrageous contempt of his lawful 
orders cannot be tolerated. Write it in the logbook some- 
thing like this: ‘On this day and date, in latitude , 

longitude , William Breeze, master of the steam 

yacht Marie, did willfully and knowingly refuse to ” 

“Avast there. Jack!” shouted the skipper, unable to 
stand it longer. “I’ll never be accused of refusing dooty, 
an’, if ye put it that way. I’ll accept, but just as soon as 
we reach port, I warn ye I’ll enter a protest at the ’Meri- 
can Consul’s.” 

“If you threaten us in that manner, we will compel you 
to take all of it,” retorted Jack. 

“Now for the others,” interrupted Mr. Goodrich. “I 


244 


Conclusion, 


have set down five thousand each for Brett and Shannon, 
and half that amount for Sam and William, also one 
thousand each to the Spaniards. That will leave about 
eight hundred thousand to be divided among the princi- 
pals, or two hundred thousand each for Clark, Lovering, 
Gordon and myself.” 

“What about the expenses of the expedition? That 
should come out of the total,” said George. 

“No, I won’t allow that,” quickly replied the old gentle- 
man, shaking his head. “It amounts to very little more 
than the actual running of the yacht, and need not be 
mentioned.” 

“Two hundred thousand dollars. That’s a big sum of 
money,” said Jack, slowly. “A fellow can do a great deal 
of good with that. It is more money than I ever ex- 
pected or hoped to own.” 

A vision of the little cottage home in that far Western 
village, where a gray-haired old lady, with a sweet, mo- 
therly face waited to welcome him after the long cruise, 
came before his eyes. No more straitened circumstances 
for her now; no worry nor trouble to seam that loving 
countenance with marks of care. No; but what joy and 
pride would be his when he knelt down before her and 
poured all that wealth into the arms that had sheltered 
him through sorrow and pain and the ills of life. 

Rising from the table, he walked over, and, placing his 
hand on the old gentleman’s shoulder, said : 

“We owe everything to your generosity, sir. I — I — 
really, I cannot tell you how much I thank you for your 
kindness.” 


Conclusion. 


245 


‘‘Don’t you dare to try it, young man,’’ laughed Mr. 
Goodrich; “or I’ll do with you what was recommended 
for the captain, here,” 

Clark had sat quietly listening to the conversation. He 
was literally overwhelmed at the idea of his good for- 
tune, and could scarcely realize it. The sudden jump 
from comparative poverty to affluence has turned stronger 
heads than his, and the wild and visionary schemes pass- 
ing through his thoughts are not to be wondered at. 

It was long after midnight before the party retired. 
Such a subject offers many corners on which to hang 
one’s opinions, and it is probable that if the fatigue of 
the preceding night had not asserted itself, they would 
have talked until daylight. 

During the remainder of the trip to Buenos Ayres 
nothing occurred out of the common, and exactly thirty- 
five days after leaving the Boca, the Maria again tied up 
alongside the docks. The Wampum had sailed several 
weeks previous for Rio Janeiro, a fact rather regretted 
by the young officers, as they wished to see their ship- 
mates before departing for the United States to spend 
the balance of their furloughs. 

The Spaniards, filled with gratitude for the money, 
went ashore on the first day in port, and took steamer for 
their native land. Clark accepted an invitation to accom- 
pany our friends to Boston on the Marie^ to the great 
satisfaction of the skipper, who had taken a liking to the 
sturdy young American. After coaling and taking in 
stores, they started on the long voyage home, arriving 
there without mishap one month later. 


246 


Conclusion. 


The entire party went to Mr. Goodrich’s palatial resi- 
dence near the city for a stay of several days, after which 
time Jack and Lovering were to leave for their home. 
Next day the old gentleman visited Boston, and suc- 
ceeded in speedily disposing of the treasures at a price 
which slightly exceeded his first valuation. On the even- 
ing before the young officers were to depart, he called a 
family gathering in the old mansion, and presented each 
with a check for their share of the proceeds. Those in- 
terested had been called up from the yacht, and the scene 
soon took on the aspect of a celebration. 

Before the commencement of festivities, Mr. Goodrich 
stated that he had an important announcement to make. 
Taking Manchita by the hand, he said: 

“My dear young friends, I have resolved to make a 
very worthy use of half the share coming to me. It is my 
intention to give my little adopted daughter here one 
hundred thousand dollars as her dowry.” 

There was no reason why he should glance at George, 
nor why that collected young gentleman should display a 
very rosy glow in his cheeks, but such was the case, and 
Jack cannot be blamed for laughing softly thereat. As 
for the lady, it is not pertinent to speak of her evident 
embarrassment. 

Lovering had his revenge next day, when, en route to 
the station, the middy created three separate excuses for 
returning to the house, each time shaking Marie’s hand 
with increased fervor. 

Little more remains to be said. Captain Breeze pur- 


Conclusion. 


247 


chased a stanch new vessel, and placed old Brett as first 
officer of her, after having at last overcome that ancient 
mariner’s modesty. He remained in charge of the yacht, 
declaring that even the briny deep itself could not drive 
him out of it. 

Clark engaged in business near his home, and, in the 
days of his prosperity, did much to better the condition of 
seafaring men. Shannon remained in the old gentle- 
man’s service, a faithful adherent of the house, and grew 
to be an object of great and venerating interest to the 
youth of the neighborhood to whom he spun wondrous 
tales of adventures with ever increasing effect. 

Sam and Shag shifted the scenes of their frolics to the 
country house, and the former never failed to show his 
terror at the mere mention of the golden crater and its 
people. 

Several months after their arrival, the young officers 
were invited to deliver a lecture at the Smithsonian In- 
stitute in Washington, on their discoveries, which they 
did to the great advancement of science, and the edifica- 
tion of Waroka, who was exhibited as an adjunct to the 
discourse. 

Jack and Lovering are still in the service, devoted to 
their professions. They never let slip an opportunity for 
calling at the Goodrich mansion, where they talk over 
the memorable journey through Terra del Fuego, and 
spend the hours at other equally pleasant pastimes. 

Their last visit — only the other day — was the occasion 
of an interesting scene in the library, when the young of- 


248 


Conclusion. 


ficers held an interview with the “commodore” which 
caused their hearts to beat with a fervor never displayed 
in the heat of battle. That their charge was successful 
can be inferred from an announcement made in due 
course to their circle of mutual friends. 


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Rajah *s Fortress. William Murray Graydon 
Rival Battalions. Brocks McCormick 
Silver Ship. Leon Lewis 
Spectre Gold. Headon Hill 
That Treasure. Frank H. Converse 
Tiger Prince. William Dalton 
Tom Tracy. Horatio Alger, Jr. 

Tour of a Private Car. Matthew White, Jr. 

Uncle Nat. Allred Oldfellow 
Unprovoked Mutiny. James Otis 
Voyage to the Gold Coast. Frank H. Converse 
Walter Griffith. Horatio Alger, Jr. 

War Tiger. William Dalton 

Way to Success. Alfred Oldfellow 

Weathercock. George Manville Fenn 

Wheeling for Fortune. James Otis 

White Elephant. William Dalton 

White King of Africa. William Murray Graydon 

White Mustang. Edward S. Lliis 

With Boer and Britisher. William Murray GraydoR 

Won at West Point. Lieut. Lounsberry 

Young Acrobat. Horatio Alger, Jr. 

Young Editor. Matthew White, Jr. 

Young Vagabond. Z. R. Bennett 

(c 4) Any Tolnme sent, postpaid, npon receipt of price 
STREET & SMITH. PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK 


Qamp and Qanoc ^zrks 

By ST. GEORGE RATHBORNE 

In this, the first 
book in the series, 
the splendid set- 


“Canoe and Camp'Fire” 


ting of the story is in the woods of Maine. A grasping uncle 
waylays his nephew in the pine wilderness and endeavors to 
force him to part with his birthright. A sturdy chum comes 
to the rescue just in time, and joins hands in routing the thiev- 
ing relative. 

The boys 
who play 
their parts 


“Paddling Under Palmettos” 


in the second volume in this absorbing series, are manly, 
whole-hearted boys, knowing no fear, whether set upon at mid- 
night while bivouacked around the camp-fire, or plying their 
paddles in treacherous currents and menaced by unseen foes on 
shore. 

Is the title of 
the third book in 
the “ Camp and 


“The Rival Canoe Boys” 


Canoe Series. It is a story of mystery, ill-fortune, and perse- 
verance. Two manly boys, of the lake region, are face to face 
with an unscrupulous specimen of the dude type and a villain- 
ous guide, who is open for any crime, provided there are 
enough dollars back of it. 


In Cloth: $1.00 per Volume 


STREET & SMITH 



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